Fetal movements and biophysical profile scores after glucocorticosteroid administration in normal gestations

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate and quantify the effect of glucocorticosteroid administration on fetal movements and biophysical profile scores.Methods: Eighteen women between 32 and 34 weeks of gestation were enrolled. Inclusion criteria were an uncomplicated, low-risk, singleton pregnancy. After conducting a baseline biophysical profile (BPP) and nonstress test (NST), the subjects were given a 12-mg intramuscular injection of betamethasone. On day 2, the NST and betamethasone injection were repeated. The BPP and NST were repeated on day 3. Maternal kick counts were recorded throughout the study period. Comparison was made between biophysical profile scores before and after betamethasone administration and fetal movement.Results: Biophysical profile scores were reduced in 28% of the study population after betamethasone administration (P <0.05). Amniotic fluid index on day 3 was decreased from baseline in 72% of patients (P <0.05). Forty-four percent of patients reported a decrease in fetal movement. Of these patients, 87.5% had a decreased amniotic fluid index when compared with baseline (P <0.05).Conclusions: Fetal movements and breathing motion are decreased after glucocorticosteroid use as evidenced by biophysical profile scores and kick counts. The decrease in amniotic fluid index observed may be the result of decreased fetal breathing and therefore decreased efflux of lung fluid into the amniotic sac.