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Pethidine
Acting as a muscle relaxant, Pethidine a drug derived from
morphine, helps you to rest and sleep between contractions. The
procedure involves injecting the drug into your buttock or thigh,
with it usually taking effect about 20 minutes later, lasting for up
to three hours.
Advantages:
- Extremely powerful in relaxing and minimising the pain.
- On the whole most women are fully alert and able to follow the
instructions given by the doctor.
- Pethidine can be administered more than once during labour.
Disadvantages:
- Some women report feeling confused and drowsy but still able
to feel the pain.
- Pethidine has been known to cross the placenta - if it is
administered too soon before the birth, your baby may show signs
of sleepiness and his breathing may be hampered.
- With it's relaxing effects, moving around during labour may be
difficult.
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