How long can betamethasone decrease fetal heart rate variability?

Betamethasone is a corticosteroid often administered to pregnant women at risk of preterm labor. Its primary use is to accelerate fetal lung maturity when given to the mother, particularly in cases of anticipated preterm delivery. One of the side effects of betamethasone administration is its potential influence on fetal heart rate patterns.

The decrease in fetal heart rate variability typically lasts for up to 48 hours following administration of betamethasone, which aligns with the pharmacokinetic profile of the drug. During this period, there might be less fluctuation in fetal heart rate due to the effects of the steroid on placental blood flow and fetal response, which is crucial for evaluating fetal well-being during monitoring.

Effects lasting beyond 48 hours are less common and not typically expected. Understanding this time frame is important for clinicians to properly interpret fetal monitoring results and make informed decisions regarding the management of labor and delivery.