Magnesium Sulfate for Seizure Prevention During Pregnancy
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Magnesium sulfate is used to prevent or stop seizures (Reference eclampsia Opens New Window) during pregnancy. It is usually given through a vein (Reference intravenously Opens New Window, or IV) or injected into a muscle (intramuscularly, or IM). Treatment to prevent seizures is usually continued for 24 hours after delivery.
Getting magnesium sulfate through a vein (IV) is less painful than through IM injection because the IM injections must be given frequently. The IM delivery route may be used when:
- A pump for adjustable and reliable IV delivery is not available.
- Continuous monitoring of the health of the mother and fetus is not possible.
- The mother must be transferred to another location for treatment.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: November 5, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Reference William Gilbert, MD - Maternal and Fetal Medicine |
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