Summary
The aim of this guideline is to provide evidence-based recommendations on the use of antenatal corticosteroids in women at risk of preterm birth or undergoing caesarean birth at term.
Maternal administration of antenatal corticosteroids before anticipated preterm birth is one of the most important interventions to improve neonatal outcomes.
They are effective in reducing neonatal respiratory morbidity and other complications of prematurity.
The aim of this guideline is to provide evidence-based recommendations on the use of antenatal corticosteroids in women at risk of preterm birth or undergoing caesarean birth at term.
An infographic on this topic has been developed by the Consortium for the Study of Pregnancy Treatments (Co-OPT) at the University of Edinburgh. You can view the infographic here.
Version history
This is the first edition of this guideline, published in 2022; reviewed in 2025 – an update is in development.
This guideline replaces Green-top Guideline no. 7 Antenatal Corticosteroids to Reduce Neonatal Morbidity, which has been archived and will supplement NICE guideline [NG25] Preterm labour and birth.
Developers' declarations of interest
Available on request.