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Most women have heard the dreadful stories of how painful labor can be. It’s no wonder that many expectant mothers are unsure of whether or not they will be able to cope during delivery. Fortunately, modern technology has made it possible for women to be in control of how much labor pain they are willing to take. There are many medications available to the expectant mother that provides a certain degree of pain relief during labor.
The more commonly used is a pain-killing drug, Demerol. It is given through an IV and is used to help the mother feel less uncomfortable. Some side effects of this medication include drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, and drop in blood pressure. Depending on how close the drug was given before delivery, the baby may be born sluggish, drowsy, or unable to suck.
Some tranquilizers are used in order to help the mother feel relaxed. It may be used in addition to the Demerol. Side effects in the mother for this type of medication include drowsiness and/or slurred speech. The side effects in the baby are similar to those associated with the use of Demerol.
Another common pain medication used for labor is the epidural or epidural block. It is given through a needle inserted in the space between the spinal canal. It has a numbing effect from the waist down. It allows you to be fully awake and pain free. There are some women who still can feel the sensations of the contractions in the uterus. Side effects associated with this medication include low blood pressure, contractions may become less frequent, and could interfere with the urge to push. For baby, it could cause the fetal heartbeat to slow down.
There is also local anesthesia available during labor. This type of medication is used at the time of delivery. It is given by needle in the vaginal area. It has no effect on the pain felt in the uterus, such as contractions. It numbs the area during an episiotomy or repair of a tear caused by pushing.
As with taking any medication, there are risks involved. Before your due date, you may want to discuss these medications and their side effects with your physician. Such an important decision should be considered carefully.
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