Risks and Side Effects of Pethidine For Pain Relief During Labour and Delivery
Pethidine is an analgesic that is commonly used for pain relief during labour and delivery. However, it has numerous risks and has been associated with side effects that can have severe effects on a mother and baby. These side effects can include short-term drowsiness and breathing problems. Pethidine may also cause involuntary muscle spasms. Therefore, this drug should be used only after careful evaluation.
Pethidine can be used in a home birth, although many midwives don’t want to give this drug to women during homebirth. Pethidine is usually available at hospitals, but you should check with your doctor to determine whether the hospital you choose will stock it and discuss it with your midwife before giving birth.
Pethidine is an opioid that has been used for many years to help women cope with pain during childbirth. It is usually given as an injection and provides pain relief for up to four hours. However, it is possible to experience a variety of side effects, including nausea, sweating, and dizziness. It is also not recommended for women who are pregnant, since it may impair their ability to suckle and cause respiratory depression.
The study involved a placebo and pethidine injections. Both groups were similar in age and gravidity. Both groups were evaluated for APGAR scores and other variables. For example, maternal age, parity, and gestational age were comparable. In addition, both groups had similar rates of preterm and nulliparous women.
Although Pethidine is safe for use in a hospital setting, the risks are significant and it should be used with caution. The medication contains high levels of opium and is not suitable for high-risk pregnancies. It is also not recommended for use at home, as the baby may suffer adverse effects.
Pethidine tablets should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Usually, you’ll need to take one or three tablets every four hours. Taking two doses at the same time can increase the risk of side effects. If you forget to take your pethidine tablet, you should take it as soon as you remember. This way, you’ll have a consistent dose of the medication. It is also important to remember that it can interact with other medicines.
Pethidine has fewer side effects than fentanyl. Its use is reserved for those cases in which other types of medicines have failed to provide adequate pain relief. For this reason, it should not be used as a primary pain relief medication. However, this is not to say that pethidine is unsuitable for all patients.