Pethidine for pain relief in labour-labor
Pethidine is an opioids analgesic which is widely used in the pain relief in labour (labor). This drug is similar to morphine and heroin. It is very effective in the pain management during labour. Pethidine acts on the central nervous system by inhibiting the pain signals that are sent to the brain. The subsequent result can reduce the pain experienced by the woman in labour. Pethidine can also increase the amount of pain a woman can tolerate.
Advantages of Pethidine in labour
a very effective analgesics.easy to administercan be repeatedcan be reversed, if side effects occurDisadvantages of Pethidine in labour
Pethidine can cross the placenta and causes neonatal respiratory depression (especially if administered within 3 hours of delivery)maternal respiratory depression (avoid if asthma present)delay in maternal gastric emptyingSome women report feeling drowsy and confusedPethidine can induce vomitingHow is it given to a woman during labour?
It is given intramuscularly. The dose of the Pethidine in labour is 75-100mg. it should be coupled with intramuscular promethazine or metoclopramide. To achieve a good pain relief in labour, Pethidine should be given prior to the onset of pain. Pethidine should be avoided if delivery is anticipated in less than 3 hours.
Neonatal problems associated with Pethidine in labour
In the fetus, pethidine may lead to decrease in beat to beat variability and respiratory depression at birth. In the neonate neuro-behavioural side effects can be exhibited as changes of feeding patterns and abnormal reflexes. Neonatal respiratory depression is seen more commonly if the delivery takes place after one hour of drug administration....




