People’s experiences of pethidine?

[Piggywiggles]

Did it help you in childbirth or did you find it to be quite weak?

I’ve had some this morning as I’m getting contractions but I’m only 2cm and was desperate to sleep but I’m a bit worried now that it’s not going to be strong enough for labour?

It was ace! I had a very fast labour and pethidine got my through to my epidural. I had an EMCS as DS was breech. I went from 2cm to 8cm in 45 mins. The contractions did not have time to gradually build and become tolerable. They ripped through me like a tidal wave of tearing flesh and deep hell. Pethidine helped.

Made me feel stoned and I vomited a fair bit. I think it was one of several factors that made me and DD a bit out of it and groggy and therefore having feeding problems.

I'd try not to have it again.

Loved it but labour was very quick it hadn’t kicked in properly til after when i was getting stitched up made the world of difference then though

I didn't like it made me feel too out of it

DH is an aneasthetist and always recommends diamorphine over pethidine. Less side effects and just as/more effective.

Made me feel incredibly drunk, all I did was sleep inbetween contractions but it didn’t take any of the pain away. And I vomited uncontrollably. It was awful.

Long time ago but...
It did not ease the pain
It made my body go limp
I had hallucinations during labour and for three weeks afterwards
Hospital sent for my GP (the thing then) and he was horrified - I remember him shouting “This girl doesn’t even take a Disprin!”

I had it as I was exhausted after 4 days of contractions. I loved it. It allowed me to get some much needed rest before I had to push. It didn't make me feel sick or anything.

My mum told me it did nothing for her in labour and when I was being given pain relief options from my midwife she helpfully pointed out that it more makes you feel drunk than actually helping to dull pain. I opted for epidural, best decision ever haha.