Magnesium Sulphate Injections Help Protect Against Cerebral Palsy in Very Premature Babies

Filed in archive Childbirth , Medical Issues , Other Pregnancy Issues on January 28, 2009

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According to a new research, giving pregnant mothers who are at risk of giving birth preterm can help protect their very premature babies (less than 28 weeks gestation) from suffering from cerebral palsy by taking magnesium sulphate injections. Cerebral palsy is a debilitating condition due to brain damages that can occur during pregnancy (about 75 percent), during childbirth (about 5 percent) or after birth (about 15 percent) up to about age three.

"This new Cochrane review shows there is now evidence to support giving magnesium sulphate therapy to women at risk of very preterm birth to increase their unborn baby's chance of survival, free of cerebral palsy."

The exact mechanism of magnesium sulphate in protecting the developing brain is not certain. However, magnesium is vital for normal cell function, may protect against destructive molecules that can harm cells, and in some circumstances improves blood flow.

It is not yet known how magnesium sulphate confers its neuroprotective properties and further studies are needed to identify who will benefit the most from this therapy and how it is best administered.