Pharmacological vs Non-Pharmacological Intervention
One of the worst forms of physical pain a woman may encounter in her lifetime is labor pain. Therefore, managing that pain during labor is an essential component of medical care. There are several ways in which this pain can be managed, including pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. Pharmacologically, the pain can be managed by the use of local anesthetics and systemic pharmacologic agents (Elgzar et al., 2024). An example of a local anesthetic is epidural analgesia which is considered most effective for labour pain (Elgzar et al., 2024). However, this method has side effects on the fetus as it may lower the mother’s blood pressure, which may result in less blood flowing to the fetus and could induce fetal discomfort. Following this, systemic pharmacologic agents, mostly administered via the parenteral route or by inhalation (nitrous oxide) include opioids such as meperidine, morphine, and remifentanil (Elgzar et al., 2024). However, opioids have effects on the fetus as they may result in reduced fetal heart rate, respiratory depression, and the possibility of neonatal withdrawal if administered over an extended period.
Subsequently, nurses can provide comfort during labor and birth via methods considered non-pharmacological. These methods may include but are not limited to acupuncture, positioning, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, the use of a birthing ball, positive reinforcement, and the utilization of relaxation techniques like music therapy and yoga. Though comparatively less study has been done on non-pharmacological interventions than on pharmacological interventions, the non-pharmacological techniques mentioned above are nevertheless considered to be safe. The expected outcome of these interventions includes reduced pain during vaginal birth, reduced anxiety,y and a delayed need for pharmacologic intervention, Zuarez-Easton et al., (2023) which exempts one from the side effects brought about by the use of drugs.
References
Elgzar, W. T., Alshahrani, M. S., & Ibrahim, H. A. (2024). Non-pharmacological labor pain relief methods: Utilization and associated factors among midwives and maternity nurses in Najran, Saudi Arabia. Reproductive Health, 21(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12978-023-01737-2
Zuarez-Easton, S., Erez, O., Zafran, N., Carmeli, J., Garmi, G., & Salim, R. (2023). Pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic options for pain relief during labor: An expert review. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 228(5). https://doi.org/10.1016/
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Question 
Discuss pharmacological versus non-pharmacological nursing interventions used for pain management during labor and birth. List two different classifications of drugs used for pain relief during labor and birth, and include potential side effects of the drugs on the fetus. Also, describe two nursing interventions by the nurse to provide comfort during labor and birth that could be considered as non-pharmacological and the expected outcomes.
Pharmacological vs Non-Pharmacological Intervention
Response Posts
Discuss how the nursing interventions align with one of the six QSEN competencies and why.
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