Investigating the impact of antenatal steroids on infant wellbeing and lactation

Administering antenatal steroids (ANS) to pregnant women at risk of delivering before 35 weeks significantly reduces the likelihood of the baby having serious breathing issues or even death after birth. However, very little is known about potential issues on lactation, such as on breastmilk volume and composition.

Dr Mariana Muelbert’s previous research found lower hormone concentrations in the milk of mothers of preterm babies treated with ANS for several weeks post-birth compared to untreated mothers. But it’s unclear if these differences stem from ANS treatment or other factors related to preterm birth.

The use of ANS in other situations where newborns are at increased risk of breathing problems is being explored. In the ‘ALMA’ study (Antenatal corticosteroids effect on Lactation and Maternal-infant health) – which sits within an ongoing study of ANS treatment in women undergoing planned caesarean sections, the C*STEROID trial – Dr Muelbert and her team will conduct three investigations:

1. whether ANS has an influence on lactation;

2. whether it impacts important hormones in breastmilk; and

3. whether it affects the newborn’s self-regulation of cortisol after birth.

Findings from the study will provide guidance as to whether women who receive ANS will benefit from enhanced lactation support.