The effect of magnesium sulfate tocolysis on the fetal biophysical profile

Article Abstract:

Magnesium sulfate is given to pregnant women to prevent early (preterm) labor and to prevent seizures from high blood pressure. The higher doses of magnesium sulfate needed to prevent early labor may cause depression of the central nervous system. The drug can pass through the placenta from the mother's blood and enter the blood of the fetus. Biophysical measurements of the fetus such as heart rate, breathing movements, body tone, degree of movement, and the amount of amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus can be used to measure its well-being. To determine whether magnesium sulfate used to prevent preterm labor can affect the biophysical profile of the fetus, 22 fetuses born to 16 women were evaluated before and after treatment. Upon admission to the hospital, all the fetuses had normal non-stress tests, an indicator of fetal well-being, and 21 (95 percent) had normal sustained breathing movements. After administration of magnesium sulfate, 50 percent of the fetuses had nonreactive (abnormal) non-stress tests and only 18 percent (4 of 22) had sustained breathing movements. Other biophysical factors were unchanged by the use of magnesium sulfate. It was found that the baseline heart rate among the fetuses increased after magnesium sulfate use and the overall biophysical profile of the fetus was reduced. It is suggested that the effects of magnesium sulfate do not compromise the well-being of the fetus, but rather the test results are due to pharmacologic central nervous system depression.

Fetus, Drug therapy, Magnesium sulphate

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Preterm birth prevention: where are we?

Article Abstract:

More effort needs to be focused on improving different methods to prevent preterm birth. The incidence of preterm birth has increased from 9% in 1981 to 11% in 1989. A study examined different factors that play an important role in the prevention of preterm delivery. There are two approaches to preventing preterm birth. The first approach is preventing preterm labor from beginning. The identification of pregnant women with an increased risk of preterm labor or premature rupture of membranes needs to be improved. The main problem is the reliability of the predictive risk factors that are currently used. The second approach is to stop preterm labor after it has begun. The early diagnosis of preterm labor is often difficult. Evaluation of cervicovaginal fetal fibronectin may be the most accurate method for early diagnosis of preterm labor.

Prevention, Premature birth

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Effect of rapid intravenous crystalloid infusion on uteroplacental blood flow and placental implantation-site oxygen delivery in the pregnant ewe

Article Abstract:

Rapid intravenous crystalloid infusion may increase blood flow to the placenta and improve the oxygen supply of the fetus. This procedure is advised for women with preeclampsia or other pregnancy complications before spinal or epidural anesthesia. A study examined the use of rapid intravenous crystalloid infusion in nine pregnant ewes who were near term. Oxygen supply to the placenta increased significantly in the six ewes who experienced a drop in hemoglobin concentration after infusion. Blood flow to the placenta also increased significantly.

Oxygen, Placenta, Oxygen in the body, Uterine circulation

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