Pethidine can be administered by a midwife, but needs to be prescribed by a doctor. Most hospitals have 'standing orders' written in delivery suites and birth centres, stating the amount and type of narcotic that is to be administered by the midwife when required, so that the doctor does not have to be called every time. If the midwife feels this standard order needs to be adjusted, she would need to call a doctor to come and prescribe the different medication or dose for that individual woman.
For women who have their own Obstetrician, the individual doctor has a personally signed document in the delivery suite or birth centre stating their own preferred type and dosage of medication, if required. Again, the midwife is bound by this order unless the doctor individually alters the prescription. You may wish to ask your caregiver about their narcotic preferences or the 'standing orders' at your hospital.
The effects of pethidine tend to be what is called 'dose related'. This means that a higher dose will have a stronger effect. The estimated weight of the woman can also play a role. For example 100mg of pethidine is more likely to have a greater effect on a woman who is 60 kg, when compared with a woman who is 80kg.
When choosing pethidine as a method for pain relief, there are a few things you might like to consider. These include:
Side effects for the woman
Effects on the baby
Using the shower or bath
When to take pethidine
Enhancement with gas
Side effects for the woman
The potential side effects for the woman using pethidine can include:
Drowsiness
Feeling nauseated or vomiting
Perspiring
Suppression of breathing
Disorientation
Dizzy
Constipation
Addiction
Drowsiness. It is normal for the woman to feel drowsy with pethidine, even if only to doze in between the peak of the contractions. Sometimes the woman will become heavily sedated to the point where she is unable to be easily roused.