Premature labor and the problems of low birth weight neonates are briefly described. The management of premature labor, with emphasis on the use of the relatively selective β-sympathomimetic, terbutaline, is discussed. While terbutaline can be considered an effective inhibitor of premature labor, certain percautions do exist concerning its prescribing. Maternal and fetal tachycardia are common. There have been some cases of maternal pulmonary edema reported. A protocol for the use of terbutaline in premature laber is included.
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