Pethidine can make the woman drowsy, disorientated and possibly dizzy within 15 to 30 minutes after it is administered. The concern is that she could slip under the water in the bath, or fall in the shower or stumble and collapse while walking.
Therefore, if the woman requests an injection of pethidine while she is using the shower or bath for pain relief (or is in an active, standing position or walking with the contractions), she may be encouraged to lie down on the bed or kneel on the bed or mat on the floor, after being given the injection.
When to take Pethidine
Pethidine tends to be more effective during the early and active phases of the labour, rather than in the later transitional and pushing phases of the labour. This is similar to the effectiveness of our own natural
endorphins that are released. In this sense, restricting its use to earlier in the labour (from about 3-4 up to about 7-8 cms) tends to be more likely to produce an effective form of pain relief for the woman as well as minimising its side effects on the baby.
Giving the injection when less than 3 to 4 cms can be beneficial if trying to stop or relieve a prolonged prelabour. Be aware though that this could increase the potential for a 'spiral effect' onto other stronger forms of pain relief such as an epidural later on as the labour intensifies. This is not to say you could not take this option, but you should be aware that this choice may lead to needing further pain relief later in the labour. Giving the injection during transition (or after 8 cms) is also possible but could be less effective at relieving the pain and possibly increase the chances of the baby experiencing side effects.
Enhancement with gas