Question about steroids and baby development?

Question

If you go into preterm labor the dr generally would check for dilation and give a shot of steroids to help develop babies lungs....why don't they just give it in general to pregnant women after a certain amount of weeks? Is there a risk to mom and baby in doing so?

Answer 1

http://www.motherisk.org/prof/updatesDet...

Antenatal steroids are proven therapy for preventing respiratory distress syndrome and decrease both morbidity and mortality associated with prematurity. Use of multiple doses of antenatal steroids might adversely affect neurologic outcome. There is insufficient evidence to support routine use of multiple doses of antenatal steroids when delivery of a preterm infant is anticipated.

Answer 2

I don't believe there is a risk to mom and baby.

I got the steroid shot when I was 25 wks along because I gave birth to a preemie a year before. But i dont believe there is a risk..  And yes all pregnant women should get it just in case I think because there is always that chance of premature labour..