This is a synthetic type of steroid hormone similar to cortisol but more potent. One of its uses is for prenatal treatment of congenital adrenal hyperplasia in female fetuses. It may be given to a mother during pregnancy if her fetus is female and affected with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). It may reduce some of the physical changes to the genitals that occur with CAH, but may have other risks; thus, it is important to discuss potential treatment with this drug with your physician.