Pain relief in labour

[555]

I was just wondering if anyone had ever had pethadine injections before in labour. I tend to be really sick with painkillers and I'm worried about how it makes you feel. Can anyone tell me did it make you feel sick or really out of it?
I'm planning a VBAC so although i have a lovely son I've never gone into labour and I am scared as i know we all are.
Thanks for your help.

 

[LankyDoodle]

I would do your own research as well as listening to what is said here. People seem to have different experiences with the various different methods. Pethidine is one I have heard mixed things about, but then I have heard mixed things about the other things. I know one lady that didn't remember anything about the birth after pethidine made her feel so sicky and woozy; I know others who really rate it. I know LOADS of people who really rate the epidural and just a couple who tried to warn me not to go near!

Try and keep an open mind and read what's in the books/on the web as well, as it will help you decide with less bias opinions pushing you. If you have a sicky reaction to painkillers, it might be worth chatting to your MW/GP about what could be best for you.

 

[Sam9kids]

Well said LD,

I had it with my first 3 and it just took off the edge with the pain. It did make me feel sick as well.

With the last 6 i had gass and air xx

 

[jess_smurf]

my mum had it with me and said it was awful, i had morphine and was completely out of it !! But i couldnt control my reaction to the pain at all and was all over the place depends on your labour really xx

 

[CocoaOne]

I'm saying a definite 'NO' to pethidine! Tramadol makes me violently sick and they are quite similar in the way they work so I don't want to take the risk - must be awful to be puking constantly whilst contracting, and once you've had it you're stuck with it until it wears off.
Also - one thing they don't seem to make clear very often is that it doesn't make you feel less pain - it just makes you care a bit less about it cos you're stoned/sleepy!
There's also the problems it can cause with BFing if it makes LO very sleepy. I know some women who's baby's slept solidly for days after birth so they couldn't establish BFing. Obviously that's not always the case though.

I'm hoping to manage with a TENS and G&A - but if it gets too much I'll ask for an Epidural I think.