Pethidine

This is given as an injection into the muscle of your thigh or buttock. “It takes about 20 minutes to work after the injection. The effects last between 2 and 4 hours, so would not be recommended if you're getting close to the pushing (second) stage of labour” (NHS). This because pethidine - in the opiate family, along with codeine and heroin - acts a sedative, and can cross the placenta into baby’s bloodstream, making them sleepy too. This is a particular problem if baby is still sleepy and woozy once born, as they may struggle to adjust to being earth-side and need some help or resuscitation.

As with all medical opiates, it’s a pain medication for when you needs something extra strong!

Pros:

• Strong pain relief

• Can help you rest (make you sleepy/able to sleep through contractions) if you’ve had a long labour

Cons:

• It can make you feel “out of it”/woozy

• You may feel sick or be sick

• You may feel forgetful

• “If pethidine or diamorphine are given too close to the time of delivery, they may affect the baby's breathing – if this happens, another medicine to reverse the effect will [need to] be given” (NHS)

• Baby may be sleepy and this may interfere with initiating breastfeeding