What role does Calcium Gluconate play in maternal health?

Calcium gluconate is used as an antidote for magnesium sulfate toxicity, which is a critical application in maternal health. Magnesium sulfate is commonly administered during pregnancy, particularly for conditions such as preeclampsia and eclampsia, to prevent seizures. However, excessive levels of magnesium can lead to toxicity, presenting with symptoms such as respiratory depression and cardiac issues. Calcium gluconate acts to counteract these effects by restoring calcium levels, which can help stabilize the myocardial cell membrane and ameliorate the respiratory effects associated with hypermagnesemia.

The other options fail to align with calcium gluconate’s primary uses in obstetric care. While postpartum hemorrhage management often involves medications to promote uterine contraction and volume resuscitation, calcium gluconate does not play a direct role in this context. It also doesn't stimulate uterine contractions or reduce inflammation in amniotic fluid; those functions are typically associated with different medications or therapies specific to childbirth management or inflammation.