[Magnesium therapy in pregnancy. Pharmacologic and toxicologic aspects of magnesium supplementation and use in pre-eclampsia and threatened premature labor].

The efficacy of parenteral Mg therapy for pre-eclampsia and eclampsia is due to the Mg antagonism of Ca ions. Accordingly, the Mg additional treatment of medicamentous tocolysis reduces the risk of an over-increased cardial energy consumption; at the same time Mg has an effect which inhibits uterine contractions. The favourable effects on the nocturnal calf cramps are due to the compensation of a combined Mg and Ca deficiency and/or a membrane stabilisation caused by Mg. In animal experiments all reproduction processes were negatively influenced by Mg deficiency, whilst the rate of abortions in early and late pregnancy as well as premature births decreased in pregnant women after administration of Mg. The perinatal mortality is similarly favourably influenced. Since prophylactic oral Mg application is effective and safe, it can be recommended without reservations.