Zofran during homebirth?

[IdentityCrisisMama]

I know that all births are different and all...but I have had 2 pregnancies and vomited for both. The last ended in a miscarriage early enough that I wasn't in so much pain and was able to observe the vomiting. What it seemed like was a reaction to a hormone - like by body was made sick by one of the hormones in labor.

I'm pregnant again and have a stash of Zofram (not for pregnancy - someone just gave it to me) that I am considering taking during labor. The reason is because I vomited for the whole labor with DC (18 hours worth) and was exhausted and dehydrated at the end and I do think that's what caused a long pushing phase and a transfer.

So, in this case, would you consider "self-medicating" at home with Zofram?

[purplepaisleymama]

I have taken zofran for my last few pregnancies, with two miscarriages and this pregnancy that I am 33 weeks. I have hyperemesis for about the first 5 months and will vomit almost continuously, even with the meds.

I would totally take zofran to keep from puking in labor, I would rather have more energy and not be dehydrated while in labor. Are you planning to take the zofran during the pregnancy or only save it for the labor? I know that taking meds while pregnant is not what anyone wants to do but if it the difference between being able to function or not I would go for the meds. I had tried every remedy there is for my first 5 pregnancies when I finally ended up taking zofran, it was getting increasingly worse with each pregnancy and I was more and more exhausted the older I got.

Hope you have a wonderful labor with no being sick!

[IdentityCrisisMama]

Originally Posted by purplepaisleymama

I would totally take zofran to keep from puking in labor, I would rather have more energy and not be dehydrated while in labor.

Yea, that's what I was thinking. I actually wouldn't take it if I thought I was vomiting to "purge" before transition because I can see how that would be helpful. I just don't think that's the reason I'm puking.

Originally Posted by purplepaisleymama

Are you planning to take the zofran during the pregnancy or only save it for the labor?

For me, I don't have a need for it during pregnancy. I get relatively mild morning sickness. So, yea, I would just take it during labor (which would be the first time trying it, btw.)

Thanks for your input!

[tibeca]

Have you ever taken Zofran before?

I ask because Zofran makes me beyond tired. I literally take it and then am asleep for hours. I can't even force myself awake. You may want to try it on a day when you have nothing else to do (Perhaps a few weeks before you're due). That way you can get a sense of how it may make you feel during labor. While vomiting isn't fun, it wouldn't do you any good if you couldn't stay awake and handle your contractions.

[angelpie545]

If the vomiting is really bad, I can see taking it during labor so you can keep food down and preserve energy. However, Zofran causes wicked constipation for a lot of people (I had mild HG with my son, took Zofran, and ended up having to use enemas for a few months so I could clear out completely), and that's probably not a problem you want to have postpartum.

[IdentityCrisisMama]

Originally Posted by tibeca

Have you ever taken Zofran before?

I ask because Zofran makes me beyond tired. I literally take it and then am asleep for hours.

Good tip, for sure!! Is drowsiness a common side effect of Zofran? Do not want to sleep through labor...well, maybe I do. ;-)

[IdentityCrisisMama]

Originally Posted by angelpie545

However, Zofran causes wicked constipation for a lot of people

Do you think taking it for less than 24 hours is a problem? I'm prone to constipation in pregnancy so that is a concern, however, I am not opposed to taking a laxative post-delivery.

[QuestionGal]

I took Zofran regularly for the first 18 weeks of this pregnancy. As far as drowsiness/constipation goes:
- initially I took an 8mg dose, no drowsiness but crazy bad constipation
-reduced my dosage to 4mg as needed (at most 3x a day) but typically 1-2x a day. Drowsiness was not an issues. Constipation became much less of an issue. Made sure I ate LOTS of bran and was fine, fiber made it worse.

For just a 24 hour period I wouldn't be too concerned. I'd take 1 small dose if the constant vomiting started and then not any more. But I'd also have a stool softener on hand for afterwards as a precaution.

[jorona]

I have done just what you're describing. My first pregnancy I had HG and was on Zofran for the whole 9 months, it was a hospital birth and I took my Zofran at home as needed in early labor. I had Zofran via IV when the vomiting intensified in active labor.
Birth #2 was planned to be an assisted HB, I didn't have HG again but was pretty sick until the 3rd tri. My HB ended in transfer after my vitals wouldn't stabilize because of dehydration (due to vomiting and curiously enough, horrible diarrhea). However I did take Zofran at home during labor (4mg sublingual tabs, 2 of them in 2 doses) and it did nothing to help the vomiting. When I got to the hospital and received it via IV it helped instantly, I'm not sure why.

So yes, if taking it helps you avoid transferring again or even makes things more comfortable for you, I would. Labor is enough work without puking nonstop on top of it.

[mwherbs]

What does your midwife think? I think you should discuss it with her.

[IdentityCrisisMama]

Originally Posted by jorona

However I did take Zofran at home during labor (4mg sublingual tabs, 2 of them in 2 doses) and it did nothing to help the vomiting.

Bummer!!

MWHerbs, I will definitely let my MW know...I'm still early in the pregnancy and haven't seen one yet. Oh the things you worry about when you're still in the 1st trimester!