What is one benefit of antenatal corticosteroid therapy?

Antenatal corticosteroid therapy is a critical intervention used primarily in pregnant women at risk of preterm delivery. One of the key benefits of administering corticosteroids before delivery is the stimulation of surfactant production in the fetus.

Surfactant is a substance that reduces surface tension within the alveoli of the lungs, preventing their collapse and facilitating proper gas exchange after birth. In preterm infants, the lungs may not yet have developed sufficient surfactant, leading to respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). By providing antenatal corticosteroids, healthcare providers accelerate fetal lung maturation and significantly improve the infant's chances of breathing independently after birth.

This therapy is particularly beneficial when delivery is anticipated before 34 weeks of gestation, as it can help reduce the incidence and severity of RDS, ultimately leading to better neonatal outcomes. Other listed options, while they may seem relevant, do not directly align with the primary effects and benefits of antenatal corticosteroid therapy in this context.