QuestionHi.
I can't seem to get a straight answer from my caregiver. I'm trying to decide what pain relief to use during labor if I decide I need. What are the side effects of Nubain, and how long does it take to cross over to the baby, and what are the effects on the baby?
Thank you so much for your time.
AnswerHi Sheva,
Here are the facts about Nubain. It is an analgesic narcotic that is generally considered to be safe and effective, but it is not as strong as an epidural. Typically, Nubain has the effect of lessening your pain perception, not making the pain disappear completely.
A common side effect of Nubain on women is a sleepy or "drugged" feeling that many mothers find unpleasant. Feeling this way can cause a loss of concentration during labor when you need to focus on pushing. It can also cause a foggy effect which means you may not remember your labor as well, which some mothers regret later. Other less common side effects associated with Nubain are: sweating/clammy skin(9%), nausea/vomiting (6%), dizziness(5%), dry mouth(4%) and headache(3%).
As for the baby, Nubain quickly crosses the placenta. It can produce some degree of respiratory depression in the fetus, as well as an irregular heartbeat, vertigo and grogginess. For most healthy infants, this is not too much of a problem, but for babies born a little early, or for babies born with other conditions, Nubain could be a serious issue. Keep in mind, too, that if your baby is being monitored throughout labor, administering Nubain to you could give the false impression of "fetal distress" on the monitor, causing all sorts of unecessary medical or interventions (i.e. like even a c-section). Also, it takes a while (sometimes up to 2 days) for the medication to totally leave baby's sytem, so many mothers find baby is slow to nurse or not as interested in feeding after the delivery, and that they are generally sleepy and harder to rouse for a day or two after birth.
Since every drug has side effects for mother and baby, and since you never know exactly how it will affect you or your labor, I always recommend that mothers decide ahead of time that the birth will be natural and unmedicated delivery. Pain meds should only be used for serious situations (i.e. to help a stalled labor, to allieve pain in a mother who is totally exhausted or panicked). That means you will need your husband and labor couch/doula (if you have one) AND your doctor to be aware of this decision. Otherwise, when the pain starts intensifying and you instinctively ask for pain relief (most mothers do this!) your support group will stand by your decision to have no medication and give you what you really need: extra help and coping techniques.
I have experienced all types of delivery with my 4 children (c-section, induction, vaginal with epidural and vaginal with no medication) and I know that vaginal with medication is always the most ideal, when it can be done, and doctors agree with this. After the baby is born, you really appreciate natural birth because no one is groggy or drugged. Mom and baby are alert and ready to bond and start eating.
Hope this information is helpful to you and that all goes well!
Anne S
