“Narcotics during labor and delivery are usually not used because they can be passed to the fetus and cause the fetus to have respiratory depression at delivery. Sometimes we have to give the infant Narcan, which is a narcotic antagonist, after delivery to cancel the effects and stimulate the infant to breathe,” explains Innes.
“There are very few narcotics that are given in labor, and usually in small amounts, Stadol is probably the most popular drug. It takes the edge off the pain but does not provide complete relief like spinal or epidural anesthesia can,” Innes adds.
Pros:
- These drugs won’t cause numbness or difficulty when you’re pushing
Cons:
- People need differing levels of narcotics—so at set levels, some patients may still feel pain, while others may pass out, which is why experts say it is better to opt for the patient-controlled pumps when narcotics are absolutely necessary
- The narcotic enters your bloodstream directly, so more of it reaches the baby, whose short-term side effects may include drowsiness and difficulty breathing
- May temporarily make it harder for you to breathe as well
- May decrease the memory of your labor
