In plain words
Tocolysis means using medicine to slow or pause contractions that may lead to preterm birth. It is a short-term step, not a cure for . Its purpose is to buy time, usually a day or two, so that steroids can help the baby's lungs mature or the birth can happen at a hospital with a neonatal unit. Several classes of medicine are used, and the care team weighs each one's side effects. Tocolysis is not used in every case. Clinicians decide based on the cervix, the gestational age, and the signs present. Many people who have contractions do not need it. If you have regular contractions before 37 weeks, call your provider right away.
The deeper version
Tocolytic agents include calcium channel blockers, beta-mimetics, synthase inhibitors, and oxytocin-receptor antagonists. The aim is short-term delay of delivery, typically 48 hours in threatened preterm labor, to allow corticosteroid administration and transfer. ACOG Practice Bulletin 171 (2016) describes the pathway: confirm the diagnosis by cervical change or length, give a corticosteroid course between viability and 34 weeks, consider short-term tocolysis to allow steroid completion and transfer, give for fetal neuroprotection before 32 weeks, and give prophylaxis as indicated. Trials have not shown tocolysis improves long-term neonatal outcomes beyond these goals.
Where it comes up
- Braxton Hicks and practice contractionsPregnancy: Your Body
- Breech baby and turning optionsPregnancy: Your Body
- Short cervix and signs of preterm laborPregnancy: Your Body
What mothers here say about tocolysis
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Sources
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists — Management of Preterm Labor, Practice Bulletin 171, 2016
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists — Committee Opinion 713: Antenatal Corticosteroid Therapy for Fetal Maturation, 2017