As the day approaches for your baby to come into this world, it's normal to feel a little scared and nervous about the pain you'll feel at that time. You're probably wondering, "How will I cope with this pain?" You're also probably wondering what you can do to control the pain. One of the main ways to control that pain is to use a class of painkillers called opioids. Let's talk about this in a simple way today.
Simply put, what are these Opioids?
Opioids are a type of powerful painkiller that is used to relieve pain. They are usually given as pills or as an injection directly into a vein (IV).
The way these work in our bodies is amazing. Simply put, these drugs attach to our nerve cells and stop the pain signal from going to the brain. It's like blocking the pain pathway. Not only that, but they also increase the release of endorphins, which are chemicals in our brain that make us feel happy and relaxed . So you start to feel relaxed and calm.
There are also different types of opioids .
- Some are obtained naturally from the seeds of the poppy plant. For example, the painkiller morphine .
- Others are made in laboratories from natural opiates.
- There are also those that are completely synthetic, that is, chemically produced in a laboratory. Pethidine and Fentanyl, which we commonly use during childbirth, belong to this category.
Advantages and disadvantages of using opioids during childbirth
You have several options when it comes to deciding what to do about pain during labor. Some people prefer to deliver their baby without any pain medication. Others use various methods to control pain under medical advice. Opioids are one such method. They are used especially in the early stages of labor, when labor is just beginning. Let's take a look at the pros and cons of each.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fast acting: Depending on the type of bow, pain relief begins within a few minutes. | Sleepiness: You may feel sleepy and drowsy. But if you think labor is going to take a long time, this can help you get some rest. |
| Long-lasting: Pain relief lasts for several hours. | Nausea and vomiting: Some people may feel like their stomach is turning over and vomit. |
| Feeling relaxed: These don't weaken your muscles, but they do help you relax, so you can get some rest before the hard work of delivering your baby. | Dizziness: You may feel dizzy and lightheaded. |
| Possible effects on the baby: This is the most important thing. If these drugs are given at the wrong time or in the wrong dosage, it can affect the baby's health. The baby's breathing and heart rate may slow down. |
That's why these types of painkillers are always given in a hospital, under the strict supervision of doctors and nurses.
Is it really safe to take opioids during childbirth?
This is a big question for many mothers. The answer is, yes, it is generally safe to take opioids for pain during labor, if given correctly and under medical supervision. But that doesn't mean it's without risks.
The most important thing is timing and dosage.
- Timing: These painkillers are given before the active stage of labor begins. Simply put, they are not given after your cervix is about 6 centimeters dilated and your contractions are starting to come in a steady, regular pattern. The reason for this is that they do not provide much pain relief at that stage and to minimize the potential impact on the baby.
- Dosage: Use only the dosage prescribed by your doctor . If the dosage is increased, breathing and heart rate of both the mother and the baby may decrease.
Can you get addicted to this?
When you hear about the world's 'opioid epidemic', it's understandable that you might be afraid to take such a drug. But the truth is, you won't become addicted to a painkiller like this that is given once during labor. A person becomes physically addicted to a drug because their body becomes accustomed to it over time. This won't happen with a single dose given during labor. If you don't have a history of drug addiction before, don't be unduly afraid of this.
What are the other options for pain?
In addition to opioids, there are several other very popular and effective ways to manage pain during labor. You can discuss all of these with your doctor and choose the one that is best for you.
| Pain relief method | Simply put... |
|---|---|
| Epidural block | This is what many people in our country call a "spinal tap." An anesthesiologist inserts a thin tube (catheter) into the epidural space around your spinal cord and gives you a painkilling liquid through it. Within 10-20 minutes, your lower back will be numb. You won't be able to walk while this is in place. |
| Spinal block | This is also an injection into the spine, like an epidural. However, the medicine is injected directly into the spinal fluid. It is only given once. The pain is relieved in about two hours. It is usually used for cesarean sections (C-sections) and complicated deliveries. |
| Local anesthetic | This is used to numb only a small area. For example, if a small incision (episiotomy) is made to widen the vagina, this injection is given to numb that area. |
| Nitrous oxide | This is also called "laughing gas." This gas is inhaled through a mask when you are about to have a seizure. It doesn't completely eliminate the pain, but it makes it much easier to bear. You can walk and move around while using it. |
So, you may be wondering, there are many options for pain management. The best thing to do is to talk openly about all of these options with your doctor before you go into labor, during your prenatal visit. Then, you can create a birth plan that best suits your health, your preferences , and your baby's condition.
Take-Home Message
- Opioids are a powerful painkiller given for pain in early labor . They are not usually given during active labor.
- Although these provide quick pain relief, they can cause side effects like drowsiness and nausea. Most importantly, they can be harmful to the baby if used incorrectly, so they should only be given under medical supervision.
- You will not become addicted to a dose of Opioid taken on medical advice during childbirth. Don't be unnecessarily afraid of it.
- In addition to opioids, there are other very effective pain relief methods, such as epidurals and spinal blocks.
- Finally, always talk to your doctor to choose the pain management method that will provide the safest and best experience for you and your baby.
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