What is the primary purpose of administering betamethasone during preterm labor?

The primary purpose of administering betamethasone during preterm labor is to stimulate lung surfactant production in the fetus. Betamethasone is a corticosteroid that is given to pregnant women at risk of preterm delivery, typically when labor is expected before 34 weeks of gestation. The administration of this medication serves to accelerate fetal lung maturity by promoting the production of surfactant, a substance that reduces surface tension in the alveoli and is crucial for adequate gas exchange after birth.

By enhancing lung surfactant production, betamethasone significantly improves the newborn's respiratory function and decreases the risk of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), which is common in premature infants. This preventative measure is crucial in improving the overall outcomes for preterm infants.

The other options, while related to obstetric care, do not capture the primary intent of administering betamethasone in the context of preterm labor. Inducing labor is not the purpose of betamethasone; rather, it is used to improve outcomes should labor occur. Decreasing maternal blood pressure is also not a function of this medication, as corticosteroids can have the opposite effect in some cases. Additionally, managing postpartum hemorrhage is unrelated to the use