Timing of Antenatal Corticosteroid Administration and Neonatal Outcomes

(Abstracted from JAMA Network Open 2025;8(5):e2511315) A single course of antenatal corticosteroids (ANCSs) is the most effective intervention for pregnant individuals at risk of preterm birth at <34 weeks of gestation. Although it is largely accepted that ANCS is most effective within 1 to 7 days before birth, it is unclear how soon within the first 24 hours the benefit takes effect, when the maximum effect is achieved, and how long the benefit will last after the first 7 days.