Pain medications known as narcotics, are often used in labor to help lessen or reduce the pain the mother feels. Many women opt for using narcotics, rather than an epidural because using narcotics does not restrict movement as extremely as an epidural does, and generally do not have the risk of stopping or stalling labor. For this reason, narcotics are often the next choice for women after natural pain relief measures.
What are narcotics?
Narcotics are an analgesic used to relieve pain. These analgesics affect the body systemically, or as a whole. This means, rather than targeting a specific area of the body, the medications work on the entire body. Some commonly used narcotic analgesics in labor include demerol, morphine, stadol, fentanyl, and nubain.
How are narcotics administered?
Narcotics can be given anytime during labor, however, work best when given before the cervix is completely dilated. Narcotic pain relief medications can be given by injection into the muscle of the buttocks or thigh, but are more commonly administered through an IV line. In some cases, the patient may be given a pump allowing them to push a button to administer themselves more medication when needed.
How do narcotics work to treat pain in labor?
Narcotics work to treat pain in labor by acting systemically (meaning they affect the entire body, rather than targeting one specific area of the body). These medications may sedate the mother, allowing her to relax and rest which may promote labor progression. Pain relief usually begins within minutes of administration.
The duration of the affects of the narcotics administered depends a great deal on the type of narcotic used, the dosage, and the size of the patient it is being administered to. Some narcotics last as little as twenty minutes, while others last between two and six hours.
What are the benefits of using narcotics for pain relief in labor?
Many women prefer to use narcotics before using an epidural because it provides a greater sense of control over the body, since narcotics will not impair the woman’s ability to walk or move her lower extremities. Narcotics do not affect a woman’s ability to push when she is fully dilated.
Narcotics have a shorter life span than an epidural, and may be preferred by a woman who feels she just needs to take the edge off for a while, allowing her to rest a bit, before resuming normal labor again, once the drugs have worn off.
Narcotics are known to reduce anxiety levels and promote a calmness which may help the mother relax and cope through the contractions better than she did previously.
What are the risks of using narcotics for pain relief in labor?
Narcotics may cause nausea and for this reason are often administered with anti-nausea medications as well. Some women may experience vomiting as well.
Narcotics may affect the woman’s ability to regulate and control her breathing, which may lead to hypoxia (a lack of oxygen) due to decreased and inadequate respiratory activity.
Although narcotics may make it easier for the mother to rest, sometimes they can greatly sedate the woman, beyond what is desired.
Once narcotics are administered, they cannot be “turned off.” The woman must wait for them to wear off. Many women dislike the distanced feeling that the narcotics give.
Narcotics may lose their effectiveness as more subsequent doses are administered.
What are the risks of narcotics for pain relief in labor to the baby?
Narcotics, if administered too close to the birth of the baby (usually within four hours of birth), may cause decreased respiratory function, and sleepiness in the baby.
Narcotics in the baby’s system may affect the baby’s alertness and ability to successfully breastfeed after birth. The baby may show altered neurological behavior as well, and may have difficulty regulating their core body temperature.
Conclusion
Narcotics may be the pain relief method of choice for many mothers after she weighs the pros and cons for herself. However, she should take the initiative to find out what types of narcotic pain medications are used at her intended birthing place to help better prepare herself for which medication she feels will be the best for her own unique situation, should she decide she needs it while in labor.
References
Childbirth International. “Pain in Labor.” Physiology for Birth Manual. Print.
Narcotics for Labor Pain – March of Dimes.” Pregnancy, Babies, Prematurity – March of Dimes Foundation. Apr. 2010. Web. 19 Sept. 2010.
Using Narcotics for Pain Relief During Childbirth : American Pregnancy Association.” Promoting Pregnancy Wellness : American Pregnancy Association. Dec. 2006. Web. 19 Sept. 2010.
