In New Zealand, around 7000 babies are born by planned caesarean section (CS) each year and rates continue to rise. Planned CS poses some risk to newborn babies, in particular, the need for admission to the neonatal unit for short-term respiratory support. It is well established that the maternal administration of corticosteroids prior to preterm birth helps to reduce mortality and improve neonatal and childhood health. This knowledge has led clinicians to prescribe corticosteroids before a

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... ned CS at or near term. Limited research in this area has shown that as well as benefits on neonatal breathing corticosteroids may increase neonatal hypoglycaemia and so possibly cause harm. The C*STEROID Trial will be a New Zealand-wide, placebo-controlled, randomised trial to assess the effects of corticosteroids before a planned CS at or near term on neonatal and childhood health. It will inform future clinical practice across New Zealand and the world. The C*STEROID Feasibility Study will take place in two maternity units over a 12 month period to inform our recruitment strategy and trial process when the trial is rolled out nationally. This study will provide valuable information to support major external funding applications and results will contribute to the C*STEROID Trial.