In latent labor, sedatives may be prescribed to help the patient rest. Which statement best describes this practice?

• A. Opioid analgesics like morphine are commonly given in early labor to hasten labor
• B. Sedatives such as secobarbital may be prescribed to help rest in latent labor
• C. Nitrous oxide is used as a sedative in latent labor
• D. Tocolytics are first-line for rest in latent labor

Answer: (B)

In latent labor, conserving the mother’s energy is important as contractions begin and fatigue can set in. The goal is to help the patient rest so she can cope with ongoing labor and be ready for the more active phase. A short-acting sedative, such as secobarbital, can be prescribed to promote sleep and rest without aiming to relieve pain or hurry labor along. It’s chosen to help the patient regain strength for the work ahead and to reduce restlessness during this early phase.

Other options don’t describe this approach: opioids are analgesics used for pain relief and can slow labor or affect the baby if given too early; nitrous oxide provides analgesia rather than sedation; tocolytics are used to suppress contractions, not to help a patient rest.