In which population is corticosteroid administration always recommended?

Corticosteroid administration is always recommended for patients at risk for delivery within 7 days at ≤34 weeks' gestation due to the significant benefits in fetal outcomes. In this situation, corticosteroids, such as betamethasone or dexamethasone, promote fetal lung maturation and help reduce the risk of respiratory distress syndrome, which is a prevalent complication in premature infants. The administration of these steroids is a crucial intervention to improve the chances of survival and decreasing morbidity in preterm infants, specifically those born before 34 weeks of gestation.

In contrast, while gestational diabetes has its management protocols, the immediate need for corticosteroids is not indicated solely based on this diagnosis. Also, patients with chronic hypertension over 35 years old may require careful management, but they do not automatically qualify for corticosteroid therapy unless they are at risk of preterm delivery. Lastly, administering corticosteroids to all pregnant patients regardless of gestation is not appropriate due to the potential for unnecessary side effects and risks associated with their use in uncomplicated pregnancies beyond the specified time frame. Thus, the specific guidelines emphasize the importance of timing and clinical context in the use of corticosteroids, which solidifies the recommendation for their use in the given population at risk for premature