A nurse is caring for a client who has severe preeclampsia and is receiving magnesium sulfate

The only treatment to stop progression and lead to resolution of preeclampsia is delivery of the baby and placenta. Waiting to deliver can increase risk of complications but delivering too early in the pregnancy increases the risk for preterm birth.

If it’s too early in your pregnancy, you may be told to wait until the baby is mature enough to be born to minimize those risks.

Depending on the severity of the disease and gestational age, doctors may recommend women with preeclampsia come in more often for outpatient prenatal visits, or possibly be admitted to the hospital. They’ll likely perform more frequent blood and urine tests. They may also prescribe:

• medications to lower blood pressure
• corticosteroids to help mature the baby’s lungs and improve the mother’s health

In severe cases of preeclampsia, doctors often recommend antiseizure medications, such as magnesium sulfate. Magnesium sulfate is a mineral that reduces seizure risks in women with preeclampsia. A healthcare provider will give the medication intravenously.

Sometimes, it’s also used to prolong pregnancy for up to two days. This allows time for corticosteroid drugs to improve the baby’s lung function.

Magnesium sulfate usually takes effect immediately. It’s normally given until about 24 hours after delivery of the baby. Women receiving magnesium sulfate are hospitalized for close monitoring of the treatment.