Comparison of pain scores in laboring patients receiving morphine and fentanyl.

Abstract

Objective: To compare the effectiveness and side effects of morphine and fentanyl for pain relief in laboring patients. Study Design: Quasi-experimental study. Setting: Ghurki Trust Teaching Hospital, Lahore. Period: 18-10-24 to 17-01-25. Method: A total of 34 laboring patients (17 per group) aged 18 to 45 years with singleton pregnancies in active labor were included. Pain relief was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) at 30, 60, and 120 minutes post-administration. Side effects and neonatal outcomes were also recorded. Data analysis included repeated measures ANOVA for pain scores and the chi-square test for categorical variables. Results: Pain relief, side effects, and maternal satisfaction levels were compared between the two groups. The findings provide insights into the potency, safety, and patient experience associated with each opioid. Conclusion: The study findings will help guide clinical decision-making for optimal labor analgesia, ensuring better maternal comfort and neonatal safety.