Pethidine Versus Nitrous Oxide for Pain Relief During Labor

"Intravenous meperidine 50mg in 100cc NaCl 0.9% . Repeated doses (if needed): intervals of 2 hours minimum until a maximum of 4 doses.~In cases of nausea or vomiting intravenous metoclopramide 10mg will be offered to the parturient.~If pain intensity (according to visual analogue scale), 20 to 30 minutes from administration, will not decline or the parturient will ask for a different type of analgesia, inhaled nitrous oxide or epidural analgesia will be offered."

"Nitrous oxide in a 50/50 mix with oxygen given via self-administered face mask. The parturient will be advised to place the mask tightly on her face and to breathe through it at the first sign of forthcoming uterine contraction. Between contractions, she will be advised not to breathe through the mask.~In cases of nausea or vomiting intravenous metoclopramide 10mg will be offered to the parturient.~If pain intensity (according to visual analogue scale), 20 to 30 minutes from administration, will not decline or the parturient will ask for a different type of analgesia, intravenous meperidine or epidural analgesia will be offered."