What drugs are Tocolytics?
What drugs are Tocolytics?
Tocolytic agents are drugs designed to inhibit contractions of myometrial smooth muscle cells. Such an effect has been demonstrated in vitro or in vivo for several pharmacological agents, including beta-adrenergic agonists, calcium channel antagonists, oxytocin antagonists, NSAIDs and magnesium sulfate.
How do you stop premature uterine contractions?
Treatment for preterm labor may include:
- Bed rest. This can be done either at home or in the hospital.
- Tocolytic medicines. These help slow or stop contractions.
- Corticosteroids. These may help the lungs of your baby grow and mature.
- Cervical cerclage.
- Antibiotics.
- Delivery of the baby.
When should you not use tocolytics?
Tocolytic medications for preterm labor aren’t used before 24 weeks of pregnancy. In certain situations, your doctor may use it when you are at 23 weeks of pregnancy. Many doctors stop giving tocolytics after a woman has reached her 34th week of pregnancy, but some doctors begin tocolytics as late as 36 weeks.
How long do tocolytics last?
Tocolytics are medications used to delay delivery, sometimes for up to 48 hours. If delivery is delayed even a few hours, it may allow more time to give corticosteroids or magnesium sulfate. This delay also may allow time for transfer to a hospital with specialized care for preterm babies.
How do you stop uterine contractions naturally?
Here are 10 ways to help you manage your labor pain and contractions, medication-free.
- Find a soothing environment.
- Choose your team carefully.
- Learn about labor.
- Express your fears.
- Practice rhythmic breathing.
- Use imagery and visualization.
- Take a warm shower or bath.
- Keep moving.
How can I make my cervix stronger?
The most common treatment for incompetent cervix is a procedure called a cerclage. Your doctor will sew a stitch around the weakened cervix to make it stronger. This reinforcement may help your pregnancy last longer. Doctors usually perform a cerclage at 12 to 14 weeks of pregnancy.
How long can you take tocolytics?
Most tocolytics are effective in stopping labor for 48-72 hours. None have been shown to decrease the rate of preterm delivery. Once the uterus is quiescent and intravenous tocolytics are stopped, prolonged use of tocolytics has not been shown to be effective in preventing preterm birth.
What are contraindications for a woman in preterm labor?
Contraindications to Tocolysis for Treatment of Preterm Labor*
| General contraindications | |
|---|---|
| Acute fetal distress (except intrauterine resuscitation) | |
| Maternal cardiac rhythm disturbance or other cardiac disease | |
| Poorly controlled diabetes, thyrotoxicosis or hypertension | |
| Magnesium sulfate |
Does magnesium stop labor?
Magnesium sulfate is a tocolytic that has been used to slow or stop premature labor. Research shows that mag, like other tocolytics, doesn’t work very well to actually prevent preterm birth, but it may help stall labor for a short time.
Which side do you lay on to stop contractions?
Lie down on your side. Don’t lie flat on your back, but don’t turn too far forward on your side either. o Lying flat on your back might cause the contractions to happen more often. o If you lie too far forward you might not be able to feel the contractions.