Figure 4-2. Effleurage.
(2) Mother. The medication will make the patient sleepy or drowsy. It will
not totally eliminate the discomfort. When given during the active phase, it may cause
appropriate maternal relaxation that results in more rapid dilatation. It is not generally
given during the latent phase (less than 4 cm dilatation) because it may interrupt a
regular contraction pattern. It is not generally given in the transitional phase (greater
than 8 cm dilatation) as delivery time cannot be predicted exactly and the infant may be
born under the full impact of the medication.
(3) Labor and delivery process. Medications may slow labor down and
space contractions further apart. In addition, it may speed the labor due to the relaxed
state of the patient.
4-7.
CLASSIFICATION OF DRUGS USED FOR CHILDBIRTH
a. Analgesics (Narcotics and Nonnarcotics). Analgesics refer to a technique
or medication that reduces or eliminates pain. A narcotic analgesic produces the same
amount of CNS depression in the fetus as that produced in the mother. Analgesics are
the most common form used in obstetrics today. They include:
(1)
Demerol --narcotic.
Morphine --narcotic.
(2)
MD0922
4-7