what's the difference between pethidine and diamorphine?

[phoebebouffet]

And why does diamorphine seem to be what everyone is being offered at my local hospital these days? When I had DS 4 yrs ago I was offered pethidine and was Ok on it, wouldn't really want it again but think I will need soemthing when DS2 arrives who is due on Thursday.

I think it's stronger but the side effects are no worse. Or something. Diamorphine's basically heroin. It's bloody marvellous - I'm still convinced I slept through the last two hours of brutal synto-fuelled contractions although DP assures me otherwise

I think pethidine can make the baby sleepy. I had diamorphine (and the rest!!!) and that made me sleepy but then it was about 4a.m

So, in answer to your question, I don't really know!! Hope someone comes along soon with a better answer!

AFAIK diamorphine is a better opiate in labour, but midwives can give pethidine without a dr prescribing hence why it's used more. It does cross the placenta though (as does pethidine).

Both are Opiates- "Opiates are a group of narcotics that contain opium or a derivative of opium, either natural or synthetic and have a sedative effect."
Both cross the placenta and effect the Mothers and babies systems for a few hours.
There are drugs that can be given to reverse the effects on the baby if breathing is depressed (usually if given too close to the birth).
Some women fonfd the hallucinations caused by pethidine distressing.

DRUG
Pethidine
The higher the dose to the mother, the greater the effect on the fetus

How Given
Injection into the thigh

Poss EFFECTs ON BABY
a depressant effect on the fetal respiratory system (2-3 days to get out of the system)
Sleepy
Hard to latch onto breast
More likely to cry in first month
Harder to soothe

Poss EFFECTs ON MUM
Drowsiness
loss of control, disorientation and dizziness.
Hallucinations

DRUG
Diamorphine

How Given
Injection into the thigh

POSS EFFECTS ON BABY
Depression of breathing
Fetal heart rate changes
Distress
Jaundice
Reduced sucking reflex
Poss link to drug addiction in later life

POSS EFFECTS ON MUM
Sedates.
Has a secondary effect as a muscle relaxant, which may lessen pain and reduce muscle tension, allowing faster dilatation. May reduce pain.
Nausea
Vomiting
Dizziness
Depression of the breathing (reducing oxygenation of the blood)

Thanks everyone, and thanks selina, very detailed answer, will have to see how it goes!