Why is magnesium sulfate given during labor
By Olivia Bennett
Magnesium sulfate is a tocolytic, a medication used to suppress preterm labor, and can be used to help slow or inhibit contractions to delay the birth of a preterm baby. Magnesium sulfate lowers the amount of calcium in the uterine muscles which, in turn, encourages muscle relaxation.
Why is magnesium sulfate given in pregnancy?
Magnesium sulfate is approved to prevent seizures in preeclampsia, a condition in which the pregnant woman develops high blood pressure and protein in the urine, and for control of seizures in eclampsia. Both preeclampsia and eclampsia are life-threatening complications that can occur during pregnancy.
How does magnesium sulfate help with preterm labor?
Magnesium sulfate is a tocolytic, a medication used to suppress uterine contractions and delay preterm delivery. The exact mechanism through which magnesium sulfate inhibits contractions is unknown, but researchers believe it likely works by lowering calcium levels in the uterine muscles.
Why would magnesium sulfate be given?
Magnesium sulfate injection is used to treat hypomagnesemia (low levels of magnesium in your blood). Magnesium sulfate injection is also used to prevent seizures in pregnant women with conditions such as pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, or toxemia of pregnancy.How long does magnesium sulfate stop preterm labor?
The FDA today advised clinicians not to give pregnant women magnesium sulfate to prevent preterm labor for more than 5 to 7 days because it may harm developing fetal bones.
How is magnesium sulfate used in preeclampsia?
The intramuscular regimen is most commonly a 4 g intravenous loading dose, immediately followed by 10 g intramuscularly and then by 5 g intramuscularly every 4 hours in alternating buttocks. The intravenous regimen is given as a 4 g dose, followed by a maintenance infusion of 1 to 2 g/h by controlled infusion pump.
Does magnesium delay labor?
The administration of magnesium sulfate in women with preterm labor pain leads to inhibition of uterine contractions and delay in delivery for at least 48 hours. Administration of magnesium sulfate in the intervention group increases this period 2.7 times the same as in the control group.
What should you assess before giving magnesium sulfate?
Before beginning any infusion of magnesium sulfate, the primary RN will obtain baseline vital signs (temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure, and O2 saturation).Why is hydralazine given during pregnancy?
For many years, hydralazine has been the recommended antihypertensive of first choice for severe hypertension in pregnancy. Its side effects (such as headache, nausea, and vomiting) are common and mimic symptoms of deteriorating pre-eclampsia.
What are the nursing considerations for a patient on magnesium sulfate?- Drug Interactions:
- Drug Incompatibilities:
- Check serum magnesium level prior to administration.
- Cardiac monitor should be used on patients receiving MgSO4 intravenously.
- Have injectable form of calcium gluconate available to reverse paralyzing effects of magnesium sulfate.
Does magnesium induce labor?
Conclusion: Compared with phenytoin, magnesium sulfate seizure prophylaxis in women with pregnancy-associated hypertension does not prolong the induction of labor nor does it result in an increase in cesarean deliveries.
What is the mechanism of action of magnesium sulfate?
Magnesium sulfate reduces striated muscle contractions and blocks peripheral neuromuscular transmission by reducing acetylcholine release at the myoneural junction.
Why is MgSO4 used in eclampsia?
The mechanism of action of magnesium sulfate is thought to trigger cerebral vasodilation, thus reducing ischemia generated by cerebral vasospasm during an eclamptic event. The substance also acts competitively in blocking the entry of calcium into synaptic endings, thereby altering neuromuscular transmission.
Why are ACE inhibitors contraindicated in pregnancy?
It is well accepted that angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are contraindicated during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy because of increased risk of fetal renal damage. First-trimester use, however, has not been linked to adverse fetal outcomes.
When is betamethasone given in pregnancy?
A single course of betamethasone is recommended for pregnant women between 34 0/7 weeks and 36 6/7 weeks of gestation at risk of preterm birth within 7 days, and who have not received a previous course of antenatal corticosteroids.
Which is an appropriate choice for hypertension treatment during pregnancy?
If restarting drug therapy in women with chronic hypertension, methyldopa is recommended as first line therapy. For emergency treatment in preeclampsia, IV hydralazine, labetalol and oral nifedipine can be used [1].
Why would you give a patient magnesium?
Magnesium helps maintain a normal heart rhythm and doctors sometimes administer it intravenously (IV) in the hospital to reduce the chance of atrial fibrillation and cardiac arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat). People with congestive heart failure (CHF) are often at risk for developing cardiac arrhythmia.
Why do ACE inhibitors cause birth defects?
When lisinopril, or any ACE inhibitor, is taken during the second or third trimesters of pregnancy, it can cause low levels of amniotic fluid (the fluid that surrounds the baby). Low levels of amniotic fluid can lead to health problems for the developing baby.
What do ACE inhibitors do to a fetus?
The use of an ACE inhibitor during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy has been associated with a number of serious foetal malformations including oligohydramnios, foetal and neonatal renal failure, bony malformations, limb contractures, pulmonary hypoplasia, prolonged hypotension and neonatal death.
Why are ACE inhibitors teratogenic?
Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are thought to produce a fetopathy by inhibiting fetal urine production and therefore only do so when taken in the second and third trimesters: the drugs have been considered safe in the first trimester.
