Nifedipine versus Magnesium Sulphate in Management of Preterm Labour

Background: There is limited conclusive evidence that tocolysis directly benefits the baby, many obstetricians still use it to manage preterm labor, allowing time for steroid administration or facilitating the mother’s transfer to a suitable medical facility.The relaxant effect of magnesium sulphate on uterine contractility has been widely reported. As magnesium is a calcium antagonist, by reducing intracellular calcium levels, these medications hinder the contraction process. Calcium channel blockers have shown greater efficacy in delaying preterm birth and lowering the incidence of neonatal respiratory distress compared to adrenergic-receptor agonists. Objectives: This study aimed to compare the safety and the efficacy of oral nifedipine and intravenous magnesium sulphate in management of preterm labor. Methods: This prospective study included 64 in-patient pregnant women who were diagnosed with preterm labor. They were divided into two groups; the first group is thirty-two pregnant women with preterm labor who received intravenous magnesium sulfate (group A) and the second group is thirty two pregnant women with preterm labor who received nifedipine orally (group B). Results: There was significant difference between both groups as regards cervical effacement before and after treatment, time interval between start of tocolysis and the time of delivery and maternal side effects. So nifedipine is the suitable alternative for magnesium sulphate in management of preterm labor. Conclusion:Our study demonstrated that oral nifedipine was an effective alternative to magnesium sulfate, offering comparable efficacy and a similar side effect profile for managing preterm labor.