Abstract
Although widely used, there are observable differences in the level of satisfaction that women receive from opioids. This review examines some of the factors impacting this satisfaction, considering both physiological and psychological differences.
Many women choose pharmacological methods for pain management in labour, with 25% using an opiate-based analgesic (Redshaw and Henderson, 2015). Statistics suggest that the level of intravenous or intramuscular opiate ranges from 5% to 66% between hospital trusts (Healthcare Commission, 2007).
This review will consider the evidence and management options regarding the role of pain in labour; provide an overview of the research, evidence and practices concerning the intrapartum use of opiates versus other methods of pain management; detail the pharmacokinetics of opiates that are used in the UK and their effects on the woman, fetus and neonate; and identify some of the gaps in the literature
Many women choose pharmacological methods for pain management in labour, with 25% using an opiate-based analgesic (Redshaw and Henderson, 2015). Statistics suggest that the level of intravenous or intramuscular opiate ranges from 5% to 66% between hospital trusts (Healthcare Commission, 2007).
This review will consider the evidence and management options regarding the role of pain in labour; provide an overview of the research, evidence and practices concerning the intrapartum use of opiates versus other methods of pain management; detail the pharmacokinetics of opiates that are used in the UK and their effects on the woman, fetus and neonate; and identify some of the gaps in the literature
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | 418 |
| Pages (from-to) | 418-424 |
| Number of pages | 6 |
| Journal | British Journal of Midwifery |
| Volume | 25 |
| Issue number | 7 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 7 Jul 2017 |