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Tranquilizers, Sedatives, and Barbituates

Back to Medical Pain Management

What is it?
These medications are designed to help people relax.  They have no specific pain relieving properties, however they may reduce pain by aiding in relaxation and reducing anxiety.

How will it make me feel?
These medications cause mothers to feel drowsy and semiconscious.  You may fall asleep or feel very drowsy.

How long does it last?
Depending on which medicine is used and the pain you are feeling, these medicines can work from 30 minutes to 2 hours.  Tranquilizers are typically timed to wear off before the pushing stage begins.

What are the side effects?
Possible side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, dry mouth, respiratory depression and a drop in blood pressure (which causes baby’s heart rate to drop).  Some women are unable to recall large amounts of time during their labor.

How will it affect my labor?
These types of medicine may slow labor by impairing the strength of uterine contractions.  They may be given if you have experienced a long, tiresome start to labor and you may be able to rest before the pushing stage.

How will it affect my baby?
Babies are affected by these types of medications.  They experience the same effects as the mother, including respiratory depression, drowsiness and poor muscle tone.  They may also experience problems sucking which can impair breastfeeding.

How soon can I get it?
Since these medications can be administered by a nurse you can get them as early as you would like.

When is the latest I can get it?
Most doctors do not like to give these medications to women late in labor because of how they affect the baby.  Also, given these medications late in labor may hinder a woman’s ability to feel strong and awake enough to push her baby out.