Determining the Optimal Dose of Intrathecal Morphine for Post-Cesarean Analgesia

Using spinal or epidural anesthesia (known as neuraxial blocks) is the gold standard for pain control during childbirth, especially in cesarean sections (C-sections). However, many women experience moderate to severe pain after a C-section, which can affect both their physical and emotional well-being, and even impact their ability to care for their newborn. Unfortunately, this pain is often not treated effectively, which can lead to increased sensitivity to pain or even chronic postoperative pain. One effective way to manage this pain is by giving opioids directly into the spinal fluid (subarachnoid space). This method allows doctors to use much smaller doses than would be needed if the same medication were given through a vein, which also helps avoid many of the common side effects of opioids like respiratory depression, nausea, pruritus, and constipation. Common opioids used in this