In preeclampsia management, when is magnesium sulfate typically administered?

Magnesium sulfate is typically administered in preeclampsia management primarily as a preventive measure for seizures. Preeclampsia is associated with an increased risk of developing seizures, known as eclampsia. To mitigate this risk, clinicians use magnesium sulfate because it acts as an effective anticonvulsant. This treatment can be initiated even before the onset of acute symptoms to provide protection against seizures for the mother and to ensure a safer outcome for both the mother and the fetus.

While magnesium sulfate can continue during labor and can sometimes be used after delivery, its primary role remains to prevent seizure activity during the critical periods of preeclampsia. Administering it only when blood pressure reaches certain thresholds is not standard practice because the focus is on preventing complications rather than reacting after they occur. Hence, using magnesium sulfate as a prophylactic treatment aligns with established clinical guidelines aimed at enhancing maternal safety during preeclampsia.