Fentanyl as a method of relief during labor

When preparing for birth, parents-to-be often inquire about the various methods of pain relief that will be available to them during labour and delivery. Several soothing measures are suggested, whether natural, analgesic (also called sedatives) or anesthetic, and each proposal has its benefits, advantages, as well as its compromises and disadvantages. This article will highlight a lesser-known pain reliever, fentanyl.

What is fentanyl?

Fentanyl is a powerful narcotic from the family of medicated opioids, in the same way as morphine, codeine or oxycodone, for example. Its relieving properties have enormous potential. It has been used since the 1950s in medicine as a sedative, and for several decades during births.

Is it safe to use fentanyl at work?

Fentanyl is a molecule that has been studied for its analgesic effect during work for several years now. All this was very well documented before offering this sedative to pregnant women, with calculated and safe doses. Surprisingly and reassuring at the same time, this molecule is very effective for women in labor, with much fewer unpleasant effects than could be observed in the past with the use of morphine and Demerol for a very long time in maternity hospitals.

Why might fentanyl be an attractive option for a woman in labor?

• It provides very good relief;
• It is easily injectable;
• It acts very quickly;
• This is an intermediate option to consider, between natural childbirth and the use of anesthesia (epidural, for example);
• It can be administered as early as during active labor, according to the needs of each future mother;
• It has a short lifespan in the blood (approximately 1:30 to 2 hours);
• The dose may be repeated during active work until labor is more advanced;
• It does not slow down labor to delivery;
• Very few unpleasant effects have been identified among women in labor (some have experienced nausea);
• Very few side effects have been reported in babies after birth, when using fentanyl during labour.

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