HealthPartners - Preparing for childbirth

Pain Medications Some people prefer not to use pain medication during labor and birth. Others want to. It really is your choice. This section will give you information about how you may receive medication; the different types of medications; and the benefits, drawbacks, and possible side effects of each. NITROUS OXIDE Nitrous oxide is a gas that is mixed with oxygen in equal parts and inhaled through a face mask. When to use • Self-administered through a face mask • Can be used during any stage of labor Benefits • Simple to administer and noninvasive • Doesn’t interfere with your body’s production of oxytocin • Doesn’t affect the alertness of your baby • Helps with relaxation and decreases pain • Clears your body within 5 minutes after you stop using it

Possible side effects • Sedation • Nausea/vomiting • Dizziness

MEDICAL INTERVENTIONS

ANALGESICS-NARCOTICS These medications (known as opiates) include Demerol, morphine, Stadol, Nubain, and fentanyl. Opiates have a systemic effect. That means they enter your bloodstream and affect your entire body. The type of medication you receive will depend on your health care provider and the facility where you give birth.

When/how to use • In active labor

• Through IV or injection

Benefits

• Increases pain tolerance • Increases ability to relax • Works quickly • Doesn’t affect muscles for pushing • Doesn’t slow down labor Drawbacks • Doesn’t stop pain • Can only receive every so often (depending on medication) • Can only receive at certain times during labor Possible side effects • May cause nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, disorientation • May decrease heart rate, breathing rate, or blood pressure • Possible allergic reaction • Possible temporary breathing problems for your baby LOCAL ANESTHESIA Local anesthesia helps numb the area around any skin tears, lacerations, or an episiotomy incision. If you need stitches and didn’t take pain medication during the birth, local anesthesia can numb the perineum for the stitches.

Drawbacks • Not available in all birth facilities • Can’t use if you’ve had a narcotic or regional anesthesia

Chapter 5: Medical Interventions

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