Morphine and Demerol as Pain Relief in Labor

An IV is established before issuing either narcotic. These medications are both used to help you relax and be more comfortable in the early stages of your labor (about 2-6 cm dilated). You will feel the effects of either drug within a few minutes - and it usually lasts 1-2 hours. Morphine and Demerol are very similar to each other. Your doctor may prefer one over the other, but the effect of either medication is about the same.

They are used to help you get some rest if you have been having contractions for several hours and are uncomfortable without making much change in your cervical dilation.

In the middle stage of labor (4-6 cm), Morphine or Demerol may be used to help you relax and to take the "edge" off of the discomfort you feel with contractions. These medications are normally not used in the later stages of labor since they make you as well as your infant sleepy. Your baby will be monitored all of the time with afetal monitor if you receive either drug. If the baby is born soon after you receive Morphine or Demerol (within 2-3 hr) the baby may be sleepy enough that he or she has sluggish breathing efforts. If this happens your delivery team will stimulate your baby by rubbing his back or feet to wake him up.

Narcan reverses the effects of Morphine or Demerol, and can be given to your baby if needed.