Intramuscular pethidine is one of most common opioids used for labour analgesia. There are a number of concerns in the literature regarding the use of pethidine. Some studies have suggested that pethidine provides little or no pain relief in labour, its main effect being to cause sedation rather than analgesia.

Can pethidine be used in labour?

Pethidine is used to treat pain, particularly during childbirth. It is usually given by injection and provides pain relief for up to four hours. The most common side-effects are feeling dizzy or sleepy, sweating and feeling sick (nausea).

Does pethidine affect labour or birth?

Key facts. Pethidine is an opioid pain-relief medicine that was once widely used in Australia for pain caused by a range of conditions. Pethidine is now less frequently used because newer, safer opioids are available. Pethidine is sometimes to used to reduce labour pain in childbirth.