Neither resulted in any noticeable adverse consequences. The etiology of the pain, which resolved following the treatment, was unknown. In all cases, healthy babies were born. One case appeared to be due to an accident. Succinylcholine, the muscle relaxant most commonly used to induce paralysis for ECT, has undergone limited study in pregnant women.
Succinylcholine is inactivated by the enzyme pseudocholinesterase.
Approximately four percent of the population is deficient in this enzyme and could, consequently, have a prolonged response to succinylcholine. No abnormalities were noted. However, several case reports noted complications in the use of succinylcholine during the third trimester of pregnancy. The most notable complication studied in women undergoing caesarian section was development of prolonged apnea that required continuous ventilation and lasted several hours to days. Pharyngeal secretions and excessive vagal bradycardia can also occur during ECT treatments.