Fetal movements following intrapartum maternal opiate administration

Fetal movements were quantified prior to and after administration of intramuscular Diamorphine in thirteen labouring women. A significant reduction in the number of fetal heart rate accelerations was observed following Diamorphine. Thirty minutes after Diamorphine, all fetal movement parameters had returned to pre-Diamorphine values. If fetal movement detection is to be incorporated into an assessment of intrapartum fetal well being, the transient influence of narcotic analgesia must be allowed for.