Nifedipine is commonly used to treat high blood pressure and heart problems. For pregnant people who start to have cramps or contractions too early in pregnancy (between 24 and 34 completed weeks gestation) nifedipine may be used to slow down and stop your contractions. Nifedipine helps to reduce muscle contractions by blocking calcium moving into the muscle cells in your womb (uterus). Depending on how many weeks pregnant you are, there are different risks for your pēpi/baby if they are born prematurely. Read more about premature labour and birth.
Delaying your labour can allow more time for you to be given medicines to help your baby while they're still in your uterus.
- Steroid injections: These may be recommended if you are between 24 and 34 weeks pregnant and your pēpi/ baby may be born prematurely. Steroids are given as 2 injections, 24 hours apart, to help prepare your baby's lungs. If you've been given steroids, your baby is far less likely to have breathing problems (respiratory distress syndrome) and other complications.
- Magnesium infusion: Magnesium sulfate may be given to protect your baby's brain and reduce their risk of having problems (eg, cerebral palsy) if they're born too early. Magnesium is given as a slow injection into your vein (called an intravenous infusion). It would be recommended if you are 24 to 30 weeks pregnant.
Delaying your labour may also allow time for you to move to a specialist hospital if necessary. It's much safer to transfer a baby inside a mum than in an incubator.
Note: Nifedipine is not given if you have an infection that's causing your preterm labour, or if you have heavy vaginal bleeding.
