Preterm Labor

IV Fluids (LR) for preterm Labor

Class: Isotonic crystalloid solution
Indication: Hydration during preterm labor; may help reduce uterine irritability and contractions.
Side Effects: None significant when used appropriately; mild edema.
Adverse Effects: Fluid overload, electrolyte imbalance (especially in renal or cardiac patients).
Patient Teaching: Purpose is to hydrate and stabilize contractions; report swelling or shortness of breath; monitor IV site.

Betamethasone (Celestone)

Class: Corticosteroid
Indication: Accelerates fetal lung maturity by stimulating surfactant production in preterm labor (usually 24–34 weeks gestation).
Side Effects: Transient increase in blood glucose, insomnia, restlessness.
Adverse Effects: Infection risk, pulmonary edema (rare).
Patient Teaching: Explain purpose—to help baby’s lungs develop faster; may cause temporary increased thirst or elevated blood sugar.

Magnesium Sulfate

Class: Anticonvulsant / Tocolytic / CNS depressant
Indication: Prevents seizures in preeclampsia/eclampsia; relaxes uterine smooth muscle to slow or stop preterm labor.
Side Effects: Flushing, warmth, drowsiness, nausea.
Adverse Effects: Respiratory depression, decreased reflexes, cardiac arrest (toxicity).
Patient Teaching: You may feel warm or sleepy; nurse will monitor reflexes and breathing closely; report trouble breathing or chest heaviness.
Antidote: Calcium gluconate.

Nifedipine (Procardia)

Class: Calcium channel blocker / Tocolytic
Indication: Relaxes uterine smooth muscle to suppress preterm labor; also treats hypertension.
Side Effects: Headache, flushing, dizziness.
Adverse Effects: Hypotension, tachycardia.
Patient Teaching: May cause lightheadedness—change positions slowly; report chest pain or palpitations; avoid grapefruit juice (can alter drug levels).