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Morphine & pregnancy

Carlos O. Fernandez, M.D. trauma-list@trauma.org
Fri, 04 Oct 2002 22:56:06 -0400 

Morphine is a perfectly acceptable narcotic to use in such a situation. The
respiratory depression to be expected in the neonate is a manageable side
effect and I believe that is what prompted the development of Narcan in the
first place. It's use for drug overdoses and addicts was secondary.

The respiratory depression is easily managed in the field without narcan by
bag ventilation and if feasible with intubation. The narcan will wear off.
To allow a pregnant women to suffer is unconscionable.

To Quote the lead editor of William's Obstetrics text- F. Gary Cunningham,
M.D. " Never penalize a pregnant patient" whether it is by withholding
therapy, diagnostic tests or delaying surgeries.

Carlos O. Fernandez, M.D.
Dir- Maternal Fetal Medicine
Dept Ob / Gyn
Jersey Shore Medical Center
Neptune NJ> 
>