Magnesium sulphate
How magnesium sulphate is given
Side effects of magnesium sulphate - mother
Side effects of magnesium sulphate - baby
Magnesium sulphate has been sometimes used to inhibit preterm labour (given through a drip intravenously). The magnesium is aimed at 'competing' with calcium in the woman's system to 'get to the muscle of the uterus first' before the calcium mineral can (calcium is needed for the muscles to contract). It is now known that magnesium sulphate is ineffective in delaying preterm birth. Furthermore, it may increase the risk of other side effects that could be life threatening for the baby. At this stage, this treatment is no longer recommended.
Side effects of magnesium sulphate - mother. Magnesium sulphate can cause low blood pressure, hot flushes, palpitations (feeling the heart racing), headaches, muscle weakness and lethargy or tiredness.
Less common side effects include chest pain, feeling short of breath, having the breathing suppressed or slowed and the accumulation of fluid in the lungs (or 'pulmonary oedema'). Women with heart conditions are usually not given magnesium sulphate.
Magnesium sulphate is excreted from the woman's body through her kidneys. Therefore women with kidney dysfunction should not have the medication as the magnesium can accumulate to toxic levels and increase the risks for serious side effects that can be life threatening for the woman.
Side effects of magnesium sulphate - baby. High levels of magnesium sulphate can depress the baby's breathing at birth (or slow their desire to breathe). This can increase their chances of requiring assistance at birth and/or a ventilator machine to help them to breathe. Using magnesium sulphate to supress premature labour may increase the chances of the baby not surviving.
Calcium antagonists
Calcium is a necessary mineral needed by muscles to contract.