Betnesol During Pregnancy: Understanding Benefits and Concerns

Question
Hi.. I am in the 8th month of my pregnancy (31st week)and underwent an ultrasound scan recently. The doctor looked at the reports and after the regular checkup mentioned the baby's growth was normal and fine. She asked me to take Betnesol injection (the first shot of the dose was given by her today) and mentioned that this iinjection will help the baby's lungs develop better. I took her words for granted. Now when I am back home and reading all information posted already on this site about betnesol injection, I have doubts popping in my mind. Kindly answer the following and help me calm down.
1. Why Betnesol is required when all reports show normal foetal development?
2. Will Betnesol have any kind of negative impact on the child's development any time in the future ?
3. What will happen if the second shot of the same injection is not taken ?

Please answer the above at the earliest...

Thank You,
Anvita

Answer
A steroid injection will indeed help mature the baby's lungs faster, when given in two doses at least 24 hours apart.  This works by stimulating the baby's lungs to produce more surfactant, a substance needed in order for them to stay inflated and not collapse when baby tries to breathe.  However, this is usually only done when a premature birth seems imminent, to protect the baby and reduce the need for ventilation.

Steroid injections do carry a small amount of risk, including an increased risk of learning difficulties down the road.  This is why its use is usually restricted to expected premature births, where it's use to save the life of the baby outweighs the slight risk.  If you are not at risk of premature delivery, then there would not seem to be any reason to give this medication.

If you refuse the second dose, there would be no negative side effects, and the risks of learning disabilities would be reduced because you only got half the dosage.  At a minimum, I would definitely discuss with your doctor exactly why this medication was given to you.  If your doctor expects an early delivery, you should be made aware of that, as well as why.  If not, you may want to consider seeking out a different doctor for the remainder of your pregnancy.