Some doctors believe they may be able to cut the risk of cerebral palsy for very premature babies in half.
How?
By giving mothers Magnesium Sulfate just before they give birth.
A study in the New England Journal of Medicine looks at the benefits of giving these women an infusion of Magnesium Sulfate (also known as Epsom salt).
According to ABC News: Lead study investigator Dr. Dwight Rouse, professor and director of the Center for Women's Reproductive Health at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, says this practice should be strongly considered for women at risk of delivering before 32 weeks.
Magnesium Sulfate is believed to open up blood vessels in the newborn's brain. It is already used to treat pregnancy-related high blood pressure and to stop early labor.
You can find a full article and an additional video report at http://www.abcnews.go.com/Health/story?id=5669557&page=1
