Comparison between pethidine and fentanyl for pain relief during labour

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to compare a standard analgesic which is pethidine with a more recent one; namely, fentanyl as regard the analgesic efficacy as well as the incidence of possible materno-fetal side-effects. Forty full term primigravidae in active labor with cervical dilatation 3 to 4 cm were included. They were enrolled into two groups each consisting of 20 cases to receive intravenously either pethidine or fentanyl. Both medications induced a significant analgesia in late first stage or second stage. Side effects were minimal with both medication and they did not induce any adverse effect in the mother or her fetus