The effect of betamethasone and dexamethasone on fetal heart rate patterns and biophysical activities, A prospective randomized trial

Abstract

Both betamethasone and dexamethasone induce a profound, albeit transient, suppression of fetal heart rate characteristics and biophysical activities in the preterm fetus. However, the effect of betamethasone is more pronounced. Awareness of these phenomena might prevent unwarranted iatrogenic delivery of preterm fetuses.