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Updated: Aug 16, 2026

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
The effects of narcotics on fetal acid base status
Abstract:
This paper reports two randomized control trials on the effects of nalorphine, pethidine, morphine and heroin on fetal and maternal acid base status. The drugs decreased pH and increased pCO2 in the mother, and decreased pH and base excess in the fetus. The changes in the fetus were independent of the changes in the mother. In equivalent dosages, nalorphine increased maternal pCO2 more than pethidine and morphine. The effects of heroin were found to be greater than that of other drugs, and we suggest that heroin should be avoided where the fetus is already at risk.
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