What should you know about magnesium sulphate in pre-eclampsia?

Pre-eclampsia can become serious when it affects the nervous system. Magnesium sulphate is an anticonvulsant medicine used to lower the risk of eclampsia, which is a seizure associated with pre-eclampsia. It is not a treatment that makes the underlying condition disappear, so your team may also manage blood pressure and assess you and your baby. The dose may be delivered into a vein or as an injection. Warmth, flushing, nausea and tiredness can occur, and the team watches for signs that the level is too high.

Tell staff about kidney problems, breathing conditions, medicines and any unusual symptoms before treatment. During the infusion, remain where observations can be taken easily. Report blurred vision, marked weakness, trouble breathing, extreme sleepiness or very little urine at once. Your clinicians will decide whether to continue the medicine and how it relates to the timing of birth. Further information about [Pre-eclampsia](/conditions/pre-eclampsia/) and [Antenatal Care Package](/treatments/pregnancy-and-birth-care/antenatal-care-package/) may help you prepare questions.

Contact emergency maternity services for a severe or persistent headache, flashing lights or loss of vision, severe pain beneath the ribs, difficulty breathing, collapse, confusion or any seizure. These warning signs require prompt assessment during pregnancy and after birth, whether or not magnesium sulphate has been given.

Ask what prompted the recommendation, how the medicine will be monitored, how long the plan may last, which effects are expected, and whether birth may involve [Induction of Labour](/treatments/pregnancy-and-birth-care/induction-of-labour/) or [Caesarean Section](/treatments/pregnancy-and-birth-care/caesarean-section/).