How Effective Is Magnesium Sulfate?
Magnesium sulfate is often quite effective in slowing contractions, although this effect and how long it lasts varies from woman to woman. Like all tocolytic medications, however, magnesium sulfate does not consistently prevent or delay preterm delivery for a significant period of time. Even so, studies have shown that magnesium sulfate can delay delivery for at least several days (depending on how far dilated a woman’s cervix is when the medication is started). This isn’t a lot of time, but it can make a big difference for the fetus if the mother is given steroids along with magnesium sulfate. After 48 hours, steroids improve a baby’s lung function and reduce his or her risk of dying by 40%. For more information on steroid therapy, go to Treatment of Preterm Labor: Steroids & Antibiotics.
