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4) Terbutaline
Most often, faulty diagnoses of premature labor are made by means of unnecessary routine vaginal exams and superfluous electronic fetal monitoring devices. Never mind that the definition of preterm labor includes contractions that get longer, stronger, and closer together while opening the cervix. Mom is so alarmed at the possibility of losing her baby that she often isn't thinking critically; she's willing to do anything to save her child. She probably doesn't know that even if the cervix is dilated a couple of centimeters, it can be completely normal. She also doesn't know that study after study show that terbutaline doesn't do a thing to stop premature labor. She doesn't know that FDA hasn't approved this drug for use during pregnancy, labor, delivery, or lactation. Nor does she know that FDA warns that this drug should not be used to stop or slow contractions because serious adverse reactions may occur after administration of terbutaline sulfate to women in labor. The pregnancy continues, but there is no way to prove that it wouldn't have otherwise, so the assumption is that the only reason it continues is because of the interventions. Any woman who has been put on this drug will recognize these effects: nausea, vomiting, heart palpitations, increased heart rate, shaking, chest discomfort, shortness of breath, high blood pressure, and inability to sleep. Terbutaline can also cause liver damage. Because the betaminimetic agent crosses the placenta, baby experiences the same things mom does, including heart rate accelerations. When mom is unable to eat because of nausea, combined with the effect on her already taxed liver and high blood pressure, she will quite likely develop symptoms of preeclampsia. Excerpted from "Terbutaline or Not Terbutaline? That is the Question," by Kim Wildner, Midwifery Today Issue 63. I thought this was interesting. Cheers,
MM
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