Can pethidine be used in labour?

Childbirth is usually a painful experience. There is a range of options for pain relief in labour including non-medical techniques and medical pain relief options such as nitrous oxide, pethidine and epidural anaesthesia.

When should you not take pethidine during labor?

There is no limit to how late in labour pethidine can be given. If the patient needs analgesia she should be given the appropriate dose. However, if she receives pethidine within 6 hours of delivery, the infant may have respiratory depression at birth. Pethidine may be given late in labour if needed.

What stage of labour can you have pethidine?

Pethidine is given during the first stage of labour, when your cervix is opening up from being tightly closed to fully dilated. This is the period before you start pushing. Your midwife may suggest a vaginal examination to see how far your cervix has dilated, before giving you pethidine.

How can I make labor less painful?

Here are 10 ways to help you manage your labor pain and contractions, medication-free.

1. Find a soothing environment.
2. Choose your team carefully.
3. Learn about labor.
4. Express your fears.
5. Practice rhythmic breathing.
6. Use imagery and visualization.
7. Take a warm shower or bath.
8. Keep moving.

How is pethidine used in labour and delivery?

It’s the most commonly used drug derived from morphine for pain relief and relaxation during labour. Pethidine is both an analgesic (painkiller) and an antispasmodic, so may help you feel relaxed as well as reducing pain. How is pethidine given during labour?

How long does it take to take pethidine after childbirth?

Pethidine for pain relief. Pethidine is used to treat pain, particularly during childbirth. It is usually given by injection and provides pain relief for up to four hours.

What kind of pain relief can you get from pethidine?

What is pethidine? Pethidine is an opioid drug, a painkiller similar to morphine and diamorphine. It’s the most commonly used drug derived from morphine for pain relief and relaxation during labour. Pethidine is both an analgesic (painkiller) and an antispasmodic, so may help you feel relaxed as well as reducing pain.

What are the side effects of pethidine injections?

Pethidine is used to treat pain, particularly during childbirth. It is usually given by injection and provides pain relief for up to four hours. The most common side-effects are feeling dizzy or sleepy, sweating and feeling sick (nausea).