Purpose: This study was done to note the efficacy of intravenous paracetamol as a labour analgesic.

Method: This prospective–randomized study was conducted in 100 primigravidae at term pregnancy in active labour. They were given single dose of intravenous 1000mg Paracetamol. Pain intensity was recorded by Visual Analogue Scale before, one and three hours after drug administration. Labour events were recorded in a partograph. Perinatal outcome and maternal complications were observed.

Results:  Before drug administration, 0% had mild or no pain, 24.5% moderate pain and 75.5% severe pain. After 1 hour of paracetamol administration, only 32.7% of women had severe pain, 57.1% moderate pain, 10.2% mild pain and 0% no pain. After 3 hours, 37.8% of women had severe pain, 46.9% moderate pain and 15.3% mild pain. There were no NICU admissions. 5% women had nausea, 2% vomiting and 5% PPH (mainly traumatic) as their complications.

Conclusion: Intravenous paracetamol appears to be an effective labour analgesic with minimal side effects.