magnesium sulfate :(

I just had a not so great dr.'s appt. my cervix went from 2.3-3.1cm 11 days ago to 1.3cm today (I am 28wks4 days) and there is too much amniotic fluid around baby A. Not even sure what that indicates, but I have to be admitted to the hospital for 24 hrs of magnesium sulfate, and FFN. I am nervous about the mag-sulf, I have heard some awful things about it. I am not too concerned about the hospital, more the hospital food (LOL) but not happy that the reason I am going is because my babies are in danger of being born so damn early. Any thoughts or advice?

 

I never had the mag sulfate, but I was admitted quite a bit from 24 weeks on for PTL. The best advice I can give is, try and relax, I know it is hard, and think positive thoughts. Thinking of you and your babies.

 

I was on magnesium sulfate for four days. I hadn't heard any of the horror stories so didn't have any expectations. For the first 15 minutes or so it felt like my veins were on fire. It didn't hurt exactly, just felt really really weird. After that I didn't even notice... so not everyone has a horror story. Good luck!

 

I had to have Mag, when I was 27 weeks to curtail PTL. I truly pray you do well on it! I hope you respond and they get your babies a few more weeks to "cook". I didn't have a great experience on it. BUT, it worked to get me further along!

 

I had mag two weeks ago (31wks). I was on it for about 36hrs. It really was not as bad as I was expecting. I didn't get nauseous, so I'm sure if I had, I would've hated the experience. When they injected the bolus at the beginning (they start you off with a higher dose to get things moving), I soon felt really hot, so I kept a cold wet washcloth and it felt great on my face and neck. The thermostat was also turned down so everyone else was freezing! I felt groggy but still could comprehend everything going on. When they lowered the dose, my contractions increased, so they had to increase my dose again. The mag made my limbs really weak and tired, so for the first night they made me use a bedpan. I thought that was going to be horrible too but I only peed in it and the nurse always helped. Then the next day they let me start using a bedside commode. Be careful when you get out of bed--your legs won't be as stable. Another annoying thing is the IV in your arm. It does hurt when the bolus is going in at first, but eventually that wears off. They put an ice pack on my arm in the meantime. I didn't sleep but 15 mins the first night, so the second night I had them give me a lower dose Ambien (5mg) and that helped a lot. It took all my energy to eat a meal, so it took me forever to finish. After the mag cleared out of my system, I couldn't believe how much more energy I had back and how alert I felt. All in all, definitely worth going through it to keep the babies in longer.

 

I was on it a lot in my first pg for ptl. Definitely be careful standing up on that stuff! It made me feel like I had the flu. I had to be on it during labor because my bp was so high. So I did get sick but I'm not sure if that was from the mag sulfate or fast labor. I was very groggy and don't remember much. With the twins I was also put on it during labor and I did get the hot flashes/groggy feeling.

 

I have no experience with mag sulfate but am on bedrest for PTL since 23 weeks. How is it determined that contractions are bad enough to be admitted and start treatment. I went for an NST this morning and was having contractions (machine numbers were 20-40 the entire time). Nurse showed the dr the report and said "she's ok". Just wondering.

I had my first set at 28w 4d and he is healthy! A long NICU stay but at least you are far enough along. GOOD LUCK!!!

 

don't hesitate to ask your nurse/Dr your questions! of course, after i leave, i remember something i wanted to ask.
it is officially preterm labor when you start to dilate (or your water breaks or something serious like that). usually, you will have a lot of contractions or strong contractions that will cause you to dilate.
i went on bedrest at 22 wks for a thinning cervix (effacement), which they said was caused by contractions--that put me at high risk for preterm labor. i didn't start dilating until 31 wks.

 

Thanks Praises1139....That is always the case with me too...after I leave I think of 10 more questions that I should have asked. I will start writing them down for Monday's appointment with my reg ob. I did ask if I was still closed and High Risk dr said yes (that was last Saturday). Good Luck to you!

 

I started to dialate at 24 weeks and I never received it. The protocol may be different in Canada though. I got Adalat every 15 mins until the contractions started to space out, then I was put on it twice a day until 36 weeks, and whenever I was readmitted for contractions, I was given it every 15 mins again.

 

well it wasn't as bad as I thought. It was much like taking a too strong painkiller without the painkiller. LOL. It wasn't fun, but I didnt get sick! I also got a negative FFN, so I am feeling a bit better...now to see if the doc is going to keep me here or send me home!

 

That's really great! I totally hesitated to tell you what it did to me, LOL. I'm so happy to hear it when it works for someone and doesn't make them feel completely awful. I hope they can release you on bedrest instead of staying admitted.