If a woman receives magnesium sulfate during labor for gestational hypertension, what effect might this have on the newborn?

When a woman receives magnesium sulfate during labor for gestational hypertension, one of the known effects on the newborn is muscle weakness. Magnesium sulfate acts as a central nervous system depressant, which can lead to decreased muscle tone and respiratory effort in the newborn due to its ability to cross the placenta.

This muscle weakness may present as lethargy, decreased active movement, or hypotonia in the newborn, impacting their ability to feed effectively and potentially requiring monitoring and intervention. It is especially important for healthcare providers to observe the newborn for signs of this effect following the mother's administration of magnesium sulfate.

Other options do not reflect common effects seen in newborns when magnesium sulfate is administered. Elevated cortisol levels, hypoglycemia, and increased blood pressure are not typically associated outcomes of maternal magnesium sulfate treatment and, in fact, do not align with the pharmacologic profile of magnesium as a tocolytic agent or antihypertensive.