Pethidine: Pethidine is a drug which is a pain killer and an anti-spasmodic so it helps with the pain of contractions and helps you to relax. It can be used with Entonox or on it’s own. It is similar to morphine and is administered via injection or intravenously. Pethidine can be used in the first stage of labour but not in the final stages as it can distress your baby (it can slow down their breathing).

Pros: It heps you relax, it is an effective pain killer, it is used by some midwives for home births

Cons: It can make you feel sleepy, dizzy or sick, it can slow down labour, it can’t be used in the final stages of labour, it can affect baby’s breathing or make him/ her sleepy for a few days after birth, you and baby may struggle to get started with breastfeeding