Glucocorticoid Maturation of Fetal Cardiovascular Function

Glucocorticoids mature basal cardiovascular function in the fetus during late gestation, increasing peripheral resistance and arterial blood pressure. Glucocorticoids affect the central regulation of fetal blood pressure, elevating the baroreflex set point, which maintains the greater resting blood pressure. Glucocorticoids also mature the fetal cardiovascular defense against hypoxic stress. Fetal bradycardia switches from being transient to...