Comparing Effects of Dexamethasone and Betamethasone on Babys Heart Activity Before Birth in High-Risk Pregnancies

What this Trial Is About

This research evaluates the effects of two steroids, Dexamethasone and Betamethasone, on fetal heart activity in mothers at high risk of preterm birth. These steroids are given to speed up lung development in the baby before delivery, but they may affect the babys heart rate differently as seen on fetal heart monitoring called cardiotocography CTG. Participants will receive either Betamethasone or Dexamethasone through intramuscular injections. Betamethasone is given as 12 mg injections on two consecutive days, while Dexamethasone is given as two 12 mg doses spaced 24 hours apart. The study follows a randomized, double-blind design to compare these two treatment groups. During the study, fetal heart rate and its variations will be monitored before treatment and again at two and four days after treatment using CTG. Researchers will measure the number of heart rate accelerations and long-term heart rate variability to assess fetal well-being. The study will also monitor participants for any safety concerns related to the treatments.

Effect of Pre-delivery Dexamethasone in Comparison With Betamethasone on Fetal Heart Trace