Hi all,

Am writing an assignment from a recent alternative placement I did and have decided to write about the use of diamorphine hydrochloride as pain releif in labour. I am struggling to find a lot of information and wondered if anyone has any tips please!
Thanks
Heidi x

Well I know a lot of trusts don't use diamorphine, obviously due to the fact its heroin cunnigly disguised!! We use it at our trusts but some of the midwifes will almost talk women into it/whereas others hate using it, due to crap FH following etc, I'd say go on BMJ website there should be loads on there or Lancet, or even BCOG, I've not got any articles on it I'm sorry but good luck x

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Does your Trust use Diarmorphine, do you think its effective? Or do you think its a dangerous/unsuitable drug to be using, especially when considering its alternative use for end of life patients etc...

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I am not 100% sure, but I think they use it at my trust, I will check this out tomorrow when I am back on shift, interesting to know if they do.

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Midwifemissy x

Student Midwife 2007
Student uni rep
Educational Resources Manager

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I had it too, and had 11 mums it was like an 80's pop video everytime she got up and walked about the room!!

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Have you just been offered a place? If so and you want a mentor please post in post this forum (also post here if you would like a mentee)

We use Diamorphine at our trust, I'd be interested to read your findings as our trust replaced Pethidine for DIamorph due to (so I've been told) lower halflife and no resp depression in baba even if given close to birth.

It seems to be used mostly when women are tired & stressed out with prolonged latent phase and really just need a break, some sleep.

If we were able to keep them relaxed & calm with peaceful, continuous midwifery care in a relaxing environment the diamorph might be unneccessary but in the busy, clinical setting it seems to serve a purpose.

Haven't had it myself but heard it described as not taking the pain away as much as just removing the awareness of the pain... its still there but you couldn't be bothered with it idea. Have no idea whether this is a true assessment (and who would ever know as its so subjective AND everyone reacts differently anyway.

Good luck with the assignment, would love to pick your brains on it when its done.

http://www.intermid.co.uk/cgi-bin/go...M_11_4_243_247

Outcomes after pethidine or diamorphine administration (80kb)

Elaine Torrance, Joanne Thomas, Julie Grindey
British Journal of Midwifery, Vol. 11, Iss. 4, 04 Apr 2003, pp 243 - 247

HEE HEE hee hee heeeee

Just realised your post is from January - that'll teach me!

Hope it went well anyway.