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Drugs for Use in Preterm Labor
Two kinds of drugs are given to women who are having preterm labor. The first type helps to stop labor contractions. The second type helps the baby's lungs mature before birth.
Stopping Contractions
The drugs described below reduce or stop contractions. They are given intravenously (IV), by mouth or rectally.
Like other drugs, these medications sometimes have side effects for the mother, the baby, or both. The side effects for the baby may occur in the mother's womb or after birth. The side effects can be upsetting, uncomfortable and even serious. The severity differs from person to person. Before choosing a drug, the health care provider and the woman must weigh the risks and benefits of the various drugs and consider the individual needs of the woman and her baby.
Calcium channel blockers
Possible side effects for the mother: Redness of the skin, headache, dizziness, nausea, low blood pressure
Possible side effects for the baby: None noted as yet
Prostaglandin synthetase inhibitors (indomethacin, ketorolac, sulindac)
Possible side effects for the mother: Nausea, heartburn
Possible side effects for the baby: Tightening of the passageway through which the baby's blood flows from one blood vessel to another (ductus arteriosus), high blood pressure in the lungs, decrease in kidney function, bleeding within the brain or heart, jaundice (yellowish color of the skin and eyes), decreased blood flow to the bowel resulting in infection (necrotizing enterocolitis)
Magnesium sulfate
Possible side effects for the mother: Redness of the skin, tiredness and drowsiness, headache, muscle weakness, double vision, dry mouth, fluid in the lungs, heart attack
Possible side effects for the baby: Tiredness and drowsiness, loss of muscle tone, slow breathing, loss of minerals
Beta-mimetics (terbutaline, ritodrine)
Possible side effects for the mother: Irregular heartbeat, fluid in the lungs, poor blood flow, low blood pressure, fast heartbeat, high levels of sugar in the blood, high levels of insulin in the blood, low amounts of potassium in the blood, reduced amounts of urine, changes in the function of the thyroid gland, shaking, nervousness, nausea or vomiting, fever, hallucinations
Possible side effects for the baby: Fast heartbeat, high levels of insulin in the blood, low or high levels of sugar in the blood, enlarged heart, poor blood flow, low levels of calcium in the blood, jaundice (yellowish color of the skin and eyes), low blood pressure, bleeding within the brain or heart
Helping the Baby Breathe
When a woman goes into preterm labor, she usually is given a type of steroid drug called a corticosteroid. This drug helps the baby's lungs mature so that he or she can breathe more easily after birth. Steroids reduce breathing problems in newborns and help prevent a serious lung disease called respiratory distress syndrome. Steroids also help prevent bleeding in the baby's brain and a serious bowel disease called necrotizing enterocolitis. The recommended steroid drugs are called dexamethasone and betamethasone.
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Information specialists at the March of Dimes help answer your questions by e-mail and online chat. |
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