Which medication is commonly used to promote fetal lung maturity?

Betamethasone is a glucocorticoid medication that plays a crucial role in promoting fetal lung maturity, particularly in cases where preterm birth is anticipated. Administering betamethasone to a mother who is at risk of preterm labor helps accelerate the development of the fetal lungs by stimulating the production of surfactant, a substance that reduces surface tension in the alveoli and is essential for proper lung function after birth. This is particularly important for neonates born before 34 weeks of gestation, as they are at higher risk for respiratory distress syndrome due to underdeveloped lungs.

The effectiveness of betamethasone is supported by various studies that demonstrate its role in decreasing the incidence of neonatal respiratory complications when given to women at risk of preterm delivery. It is typically administered as two doses, given 24 hours apart, and is most effective when delivered at least 24 hours prior to delivery.

In contrast, medications like albuterol are bronchodilators used primarily for treating asthma and do not specifically target lung maturity. Indomethacin is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) often used for tocolysis to delay preterm labor but does not enhance lung maturity. Magnesium sulfate