A Prospective Observational Study on the Effects of Antenatal Corticosteroids in Late Preterm and Early Term Non-Labour Cesarean Deliveries and Associated Fetal Outcomes (Code-T0353)

Introduction: Antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) have been widely used to reduce neonatal 
respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and other complications in preterm births. While their 
efficacy is well-established for preterm births before 34 weeks, their role in late preterm and 
early term deliveries (34-38+6 weeks) remains controversial. This study aims to evaluate the 
impact of ACS administration in non-labour caesarean sections at this gestational age and 
assess fetal outcomes. 
Aims:  
To evaluate the effect of prophylactic corticosteroids administration at late pre term and early 
term i.e. (34 to 38 + 6)singleton pregnancy and fetal outcome in women undergoing non 
labour caesarean section. 
Objectives: 
1. To evaluate incidence of respiratory morbidities like TTN,RDS in late preterm and 
early term singleton babies in women undergoing  LSCS . 
2. To compare the incidence of RDS in women who have received antenatal steroids vs 
who haven’t. 
3. To evaluate neonatal complications like neonatal hypoglycemia, necrotizing 
enterocolitis in these two groups 
4. To evaluate glycemic control in women with gestational diabetes mellitus receiving 
antenatal corticosteroids at early term 
Methods: This prospective observational study is conducted in the Department of Obstetrics 
and Gynaecology, Bharati Vidyapeeth Medical College, Pune, over a two-year period. 
Pregnant women aged 18 years or older with singleton pregnancies between 34-38+6 weeks 
scheduled for non-labour caesarean section are included. Data on ACS administration, 
neonatal APGAR scores, NICU admissions, and neonatal complications are collected and 
analyzed using SPSS software. 
Results: The study aims to determine whether ACS administration at 34-38+6 weeks reduces 
neonatal respiratory morbidities and improves fetal outcomes compared to those who did not 
receive ACS. 
Conclusion: This research will contribute to understanding the benefits and risks of ACS use 
in late preterm and early term caesarean deliveries, helping refine clinical guidelines. 
Keywords: Antenatal corticosteroids, late preterm, early term, neonatal respiratory distress 
syndrome, transient tachypnea of the newborn, non-labour caesarean section.