Magnesium sulfate is given as an intravenous infusion or intramuscular injection in the hospital over 12 to 48 hours. Magnesium sulfate also may be used for the short term prolongation of pregnancy up to 48 hours to allow for the administration of antenatal corticosteroids.

Magnesium Sulfate

However the available evidence suggests that magnesium sulfate given before anticipated early preterm birth reduces the risk of cerebral palsy in surviving infants.

Magnesium for preterm labor. Strong recommendation based on moderate quality evidence. Continuous administration of magnesium sulfate injection to treat preterm labor is not approved and that the safety and efficacy of use for this indication are not established lactation. Magnesium sulfate can be used to treat premature labor and prevent premature birth in pregnant women lowering the risk of disability in their babies.

Magnesium sulfate is a medication that may be given if you are less than 32 weeks pregnant are in preterm labor and are at risk of delivery within the next 24 hours. Magnesium sulfate and other tocolytic medications are often used to stop labor long enough for the administration of corticosteriods before birth. The use of magnesium sulfate is recommended for women at risk of imminent preterm birth before 32 weeks of gestation for prevention of cerebral palsy in the infant and child.

Magnesium sulfate is given only intravenously. The uses of magnesium sulfate in the context of appropriate clinical obstetric practice include in particular prevention and treatment of seizures in women with preeclampsia or eclampsia and fetal neuroprotection before anticipated early preterm less than 32 weeks of gestation delivery 8 9 12. Yet many errors some fatal have been reported with this medication.

Practitioners who work in obstetrical units may feel assured in administering intravenous iv magnesium sulfate for treating preterm labor and pre eclampsia. Preventing magnesium toxicity in obstetrics. Magnesium sulfate offers two benefits in the case of preterm labor stopping contractions and reducing the incidence of cerebral palsy in babies.

Physicians electing to use magnesium sulfate for fetal neuroprotection should develop specific guidelines regarding inclusion criteria treatment regimens concurrent tocolysis and monitoring in accordance with one of the larger trials. Magnesium sulfate or mag for short is used in pregnancy to prevent seizures due to worsening preeclampsia to slow or stop preterm labor and to prevent injuries to a preterm baby s brain. In the united states magnesium sulfate has become the most commonly used drug for treating preterm labor.

This medication may help reduce the risk of cerebral palsy that is associated with early preterm birth. A woman is given an initial infusion of 4 to 6 grams over 15 to 30 minutes and then a maintenance dose of 2 to 3 grams per hour.