Labour analgesia

Question 1

Drug free techniques

Answer 1

Birthing ball, pool
Hypnobirth
Aromatherapy

Question 2

what are simple drug therapies that can be offered

Answer 2

entonox
diamorphine

Question 3

what is entonox

Answer 3

Entonox (gas and air) breath in during contraction helps with pain 30 seconds to work [widely used, safe, self controlled works quickly wears off quickly] dizzy lightheaded dry mouth

Question 4

what is diamorphine

Answer 4

Diamorphine, commonly used in labour (injection top of your leg) works in 30 mins lasts 4H, sick sleepy slow breathing - may affect baby

Question 5

what are advanced drug therapies offered

Answer 5

remifentanil PCA
epidural

Question 6

remifentinal

Answer 6

Remifentanil PCA, strong morphine like pai med drip in back of hand - small amount given in hand ward 64 consultant led, anaesthetist will talk to you - contraction then press button only 1 dose every 2 mins - may slow breathing monitor o2 levels drowsy sick itchy, 4H after diamorphine cant walk with it but side effects wear off quickly

Question 7

epidural

Answer 7

Local anaethetic numb nerves to your womb, anaesthatist puts in while you are very still sharp scratch, tube left in back, first dose 20 mins to fully work epidural pump small amounts all the time, button press self controlled