Paracetamol for Intrapartum Analgesia

Efficacy of Intravenous Paracetamol as an Analgesic During the First Stage of Labor: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The aim of this study is to assess whether paracetamol is as effective as pethidine for analgesia during the first stage of labor.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Primiparity
• Active phase of labor (cervical dilatation of 3-5 cm, in the presence of adequate uterine contractions; lasting at least 40 seconds at intervals of 3-4 minutes)
• Maternal age between 20-30 years
• Singleton term pregnancy (37-42 weeks of gestation)
• Vertex-presenting fetus

Exclusion Criteria:

• Clinical evidence of cephalopelvic disproportion
• Scarred uterus; previous cesarean section, hysterotomy or myomectomy
• Medical disorders associated with pregnancy, especially gastritis, peptic ulcer, bronchial asthma or renal impairment
• Fetal distress
• Receiving any regional or parenteral analgesia before recruitment in the study
• Known hypersensitivity to the drug family