Nubain is a analgesic narcotic that is commonly used during simple surgeries or during labor. Nubain is effective and safe for most people, though it’s not the strongest drug that you can use for pain. Drugs such as Nubain simply lessen pain perception, making the pain more tolerable. Especially during labor, decreasing pain perception is important to help a woman get through the contractions and difficult parts of labor.
Labor is probably the hardest work a woman will ever do, and rest does not come easy during the intense moments or hours that lead up to the birth of a child. Drugs like Nubain work well during long labors because they promote rest. Even if there is just two minutes between contractions, a woman will have the ability to rest if she’s been given Nubain or a similar drug. These two minutes can sometimes keep a woman going when she’d otherwise just want to give up.
Unlike heavier narcotics, Nubain does not cause muscle weakness. Having all of your muscle control is important during a vaginal delivery because pushing takes a lot of motor control. Using Nubain is not only a great way to ease pain and provide brief moments of respite; it also allows a woman to have complete control over her muscles so that she can push to the best of her ability when it’s time to do so.
Unfortunately, with the benefits of taking Nubain or similar drugs there are also side effects that may not be as beneficial. Nubain causes sleepiness, so some women may not be able to concentrate well enough to aide in pushing or she might not be as alert as she would like to be. Nubain may also cause a depressed respiration rate in the mother or the baby, though doctors monitor both mother and baby carefully after Nubain is given. Nubain may also cause a decreased memory of the birthing experience, something that many women regret afterward.
Overall, the benefits of Nubain outweigh the risks for most women. Nubain can help most women feel like they are more in control of the birthing experience, and just make it a bit more pleasant. Nubain won’t take away all the pain, but it will take the edge off so that the birthing experience doesn’t have to be quite as miserable. Labor usually comes along with an intense pain, and Nubain or similar drugs can help mothers concentrate on the end result of the pain instead of being so consumed by it.