Opiates: These medicines include diamorphine and pethidine. They are strong painkillers but may have a limited effect during labour. They can cause side effects including feeling sick or dizzy. Opiates may also affect your baby making him/her sleepy both at birth and for a few days afterwards. This can reduce your baby's ability to breathe after birth and this may need urgent treatment. Opiate drugs can also make it harder for you to breastfeed.
Attribution: BUPA