Beyond the Myths: Real Science in Women’s Health - Does Medicine to Stop Labor Really Work?

Tocolysis, giving medicine to stop labor, doesn't really work. But many doctors still beliebe in it.

When I was a resident, the arrival of a woman in preterm labor often set the room buzzing. The plan was clear: start intravenous fluids, put her in bed, and begin tocolysis—medications designed to stop contractions. In fact, in the early 1980s we actually gave the woman intravenous alcohol and told her to also drink it to stop labor. We had drunk pregna…