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Narcotics

Back to Medical Pain Management

What is it?
Narcotics such as Stadol, Nubain or Fentanyl are injected into an IV or a muscle, they are used to relax mothers and reduce some pain.

 
How will it make me feel?
Mothers will typically feel more relaxed, and will not feel the most intense part of their contractions.  You will still feel your contractions, however they will seem less strong.  These types of medicines "take the edge off" labor pains.

How long does it last?
After getting an injection, the effects of the medicines can be felt for 1 to 2 hours.  Typically if you request more of these medicines, the second dose is not as effective as the first.  Most hospitals limit the mother to 2 doses of this medication.

 
What are the side effects?
Narcotics may cause drowsiness, hallucinations, dizziness, euphoria, respiratory depression, nausea, vomiting.  They may lower the mother's blood pressure (causing baby's heart rate to drop).

 
How will it affect my labor?
Narcotics may slow labor progress especially if given before active labor.

How will it affect my baby?
As noted above, baby's heart rate may drop, they may have a harder time breathing, and the baby's behavior can be altered.  Babies may have a harder time breastfeeding for a few days or weeks afterward.

 
How soon can I get it?
As these narcotics are injected, they may be administered by a nurse and do not need the constant oversight by an anesthesiologist, and therefore, they may be given any time.

When is the latest I can get it?

Typically, doctors do not recommend accepting these narcotics once the pushing stage is approaching.  If they are administered at this stage, women may not be able to effectively push out their babies.