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CME Credit Offered
CME Credit Offered
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Abstract Award
Recording available 2/16-5/2
Recording available 2/16-5/2
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AIUM Credit
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Foundation Awardee
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Abstract Award
Abstract Award
Foundation Awardee
Foundation Awardee

Poster Session 3

Category: Clinical Obstetrics

Poster Session 3

(904) Late Preterm Steroids and Neonatal Outcomes in Fetal Growth Restriction: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis

Thursday, February 12, 2026
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM  
Objective:
Antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) before 34 weeks improve neonatal outcomes. Their use has extended into the late preterm period (34.0–36.6 weeks) for pregnancies at risk of early delivery. However, the effect of late preterm ACS in pregnancies complicated by fetal growth restriction (FGR) is unclear. This study evaluated the association between late preterm ACS and early neonatal outcomes in FGR pregnancies.

Study Design:

A retrospective cohort study included singleton pregnancies with FGR, defined as an estimated fetal weight (EFW) below the 3rd percentile, delivered during nine years. This strict definition focused on significantly growth-restricted cases. Patients were categorized by ACS exposure: none, < 34 weeks, or ≥34 weeks. Neonatal outcomes included NICU admission, hypoglycemia, phototherapy, respiratory support, and a composite adverse outcome (≥1 of the above). Multivariable logistic regression was adjusted for gestational age, birthweight, and maternal/obstetric factors. Major congenital anomalies, viral infections, and genetic syndromes were excluded.

Results:

Of 3,492 FGR pregnancies, 3,241 did not receive ACS, 184 received ACS < 34 weeks, and 67 received ACS ≥34 weeks. The late preterm ACS group delivered earlier (36.2 vs. 37.3 vs. 38.6 weeks, p< 0.001) and had lower birthweights (1989g vs. 2159g vs. 2443g, p< 0.001) as expected. NICU admission (34.3%), hypoglycemia (20.8%), and phototherapy (20.8%) were significantly higher in the late ACS group (all p< 0.001). Respiratory support was similar across groups (p=0.284). Despite higher baseline risk, multivariable analysis showed no association between late preterm ACS and improved outcomes (aOR 0.97, p=0.955).

Conclusion:
In FGR pregnancies < 3rd percentile, late preterm ACS administration was not associated with improved early neonatal outcomes. The higher complication rates in the late ACS group were attenuated after adjustment. These findings emphasize the need for individualized clinical decision-making when considering late preterm corticosteroids in FGR cases.