Betnesol injection during pregnancy is given to women who are at the risk of delivering their baby before 34 weeks of gestation. Administering Betnesol helps decrease the chances of preventing issues related to preterm birth in babies. Betnesol is a corticosteroid that is commonly used in the treatment of hormonal imbalances or autoimmune disorders (1) (2). Corticosteroids are substances that are required for the proper functioning and regulation of the salt and mineral levels in the body (3). Doctors usually prescribe this injection to accelerate the rate of lung maturation in babies that are at the risk of preterm constipation. Continue reading this post as we tell you about Betnesol, its recommended dosage, and possible side effects. (4)
Is It Safe To Take Betamethasone Injection During Pregnancy?
There aren’t enough studies to assess the safety of Betnesol during pregnancy. According to the US Food and Drug Administration, Betnesol is a category C drug, which means animal studies have shown adverse effects on the unborn, and there are no well-controlled studies in humans (5). The drug is recommended only when its benefits outweigh the risks to the mother or the fetus. Two doses of Betnesol injection are given intramuscularly 24 hours apart in the case of preterm pregnancy. And delivery is ideally done 24 hours after the second dose. Long-term use of Betnesol in pregnancy may cause adverse effects in the baby. But in the case of preterm delivery, since it is usually administered only for two days, adverse effects can be negligible while there is a benefit to the baby in terms of accelerated lung maturity.
Ideal Dosage Of Betnesol Injection When Pregnant
Betnesol is administered when the mother shows signs of premature delivery (4). The dosage of the injection varies from case to case and is decided by the doctor depending on the intensity of your preterm risk. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that the drug be given to the pregnant woman ‘based on the family’s decision regarding resuscitation’.
How Is Betnesol Given?
Betnesol is given in any of the following ways:
Injection through a drip into the veins or muscles
Topical application on the affected regions to treat inflammation.
Directly injected into the inflamed tissue.
The medication is prescribed on a short-term basis for a few days. You should not stop the dosage abruptly as it will lead to withdrawal symptoms.
When Is Betnesol Administered During Pregnancy?
Doctors usually prescribe Betnesol between 24 0/7 weeks and 33 6/7 weeks of gestation to those mothers who are at risk of preterm delivery within seven days, including those with ruptured membranes and multiple gestations (4).
Why Is Betnesol Prescribed During Pregnancy?
Betnesol is prescribed in the case of the following complications: So, Betnesol injection is administered in this case for helping the lungs develop quickly. It is given about 24 hours before the anticipated preterm labor (7).
What Are The Side Effects Of Betnesol Injections During Pregnancy?
Here are the side effects of Betnesol injection during pregnancy:
