The Effect of Dexamethasone on Nausea and Vomiting during Labor and Labor Pain in Parturients Undergoing Normal Vaginal Delivery

Background: Clinical trials in surgical procedures have shown that dexamethasone reduced pain, nausea and vomiting postoperatively. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of dexamethasone on nausea and vomiting and labor pain in women who were candidates for normal vaginal delivery. Methods: In a clinical trial, 60 pregnant women during labor were allocated to two groups receiving 8 mg dexamethasone intravenously (IV) slowly plus 50 mg pethidine intramuscularly (IM) (Group D), and 25 mg promethazine IV slowly plus 50 mg pethidine IM (Group P). The nausea and vomiting during labor and labor pain in our patients were recorded. Results: Group D had significantly lower nausea and vomiting during labor rather than group P (P = 0.03 and 0.008; respectively). The level of satisfaction and pain relief was not statistically different between two groups. It seems that dexamethasone is better than promethazine added to pethedine during labor in selected parturients.