Mag Sulfate

[KYgirlRN]

Hey guys! I'm wondering what kind of practices your facilities have regarding Magnesium Sulfate. Do you use it for tocolysis and management of preterm labor? If so, up to what gestational age? Do you use mag for fetal neuro protection in expected preterm deliveries? What is care like for these antepartum mag patients (do they have Foley catheters, allowed out of bed or bed rest, NPO or eating, etc)? Basically, what scenarios are you using magnesium for in antepartum patients? Thanks!

[morte, LPN, LVN]

Homework?

[KYgirlRN]

No, I'm not in school. Just hearing from friends at other facilities that practices are vastly different than on my unit. I'm curious to see how varied the norm is.

[klone, MSN, RN]

Mgso4 no longer recommended for tocolysis. It can be used for neuro protection for preeclamptic moms, and fetal neuro protection if preterm delivery appears to be imminent (has found to decrease risk of cerebral palsy).

[JenDenRN]

Mgso4 no longer recommended for tocolysis. It can be used for neuro protection for preeclamptic moms and fetal neuro protection if preterm delivery appears to be imminent (has found to decrease risk of cerebral palsy).[/quote']

The Perinatologists in our area agree that MgSO4 be only used for neuro protection for the mother in severe PIH. or in cases of preterm labor below 34wks with likely delivery, we infuse it for 24hrs for fetal neuro protection.. As far as getting out of bed, foley catheter, etc., all of our OB's have their own "policies."

[JenDenRN]

The Perinatologists we work with now only use MgSo4 for neuro protection. In cases of severe PIH, it is for the Mother's neuro protection. In cases of imminent deliveries of babies below 34wks, they will infuse the MgSo4 for only 24hrs for the fetal neuro protection. As far as antepartum "care", each MD is different. Some order strict bed rest, foley, NPO in every case. Others take it patient by patient.