NHS Suffolk and North East Essex - Labour and Birth Booklet

23 What to expect in labour and birth The water will be kept at around body temperature and you can get in and out as you wish during labour. Many women also opt to give birth to their baby in the pool, which is a safe option if all is well with you and your baby during labour. If you are planning a homebirth, you can hire a birthing pool. Discuss this with your midwife if you want to know more about having a water birth at home or in your maternity unit. For more information visit: • Tommy’s www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/labour-birth/where-can-i-give- birth/how-prepare-waterbirth • National Childbirth Trust www.nct.org.uk/birth/use-water-birth-pools-labour Opioid injections (pethidine/diamorphine/meptid) These are strong pain-killing drugs, which are given by injection. They normally take around 20-30 minutes to take effect, and last between two to four hours. They may help you to cope with the pain and to relax, however they do have some side effects which require consideration. Opioid injections may make you drowsy and can cause nausea and vomiting. Your midwife will normally offer an anti-sickness medication at the same time to prevent this from happening. Opioid injections cross the placenta and can affect your baby’s ability to breathe if he or she is born soon after it is given. If your midwife doesn’t think the medication would have enough time to wear off before birth, it will not be recommended as a pain relief option for you. Opioid injections may also affect your baby’s first feed after birth. For more information visit: • NHS Choices www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/pain-relief- labour/#pethidine-injections-in-labour • Labour pains www.labourpains.com/FAQ_Pain_Relief