Which corticosteroid is most appropriate to administer to a woman in preterm labor to accelerate fetal lung maturation?

Betamethasone is the corticosteroid of choice for accelerating fetal lung maturation in women experiencing preterm labor. This is primarily due to its potency and ability to stimulate the production of surfactant in the fetal lungs, which is critical for reducing the risk of respiratory distress syndrome in premature infants. By enhancing surfactant production, betamethasone helps improve the infant's chances of successful respiratory function after birth.

While other corticosteroids like hydrocortisone and prednisone are used in various medical conditions, they are not typically indicated for promoting fetal lung maturity. Fludrocortisone, being a mineralocorticoid, does not play a role in lung maturation and is more focused on sodium retention and fluid balance. Therefore, when considering the specific objective of enhancing fetal lung development before premature delivery, betamethasone stands out as the most suitable option.