What effect can administering pethidine during labor have on a newborn?

Administering pethidine during labor can indeed lead to respiratory depression in the infant. Pethidine is an opioid analgesic that passes through the placental barrier and can affect the newborn by depressing the central nervous system. This respiratory depression may manifest as reduced respiratory rate and effort, which is particularly concerning in the immediate postpartum period.

Understanding this risk reinforces the importance of careful monitoring of both the mother and the newborn following administration of pethidine. Immediate intervention may be required if respiratory depression is observed in the infant, as timely support can mitigate potential complications associated with this effect.

The other options mention effects that do not accurately represent the pharmacological impact of pethidine on newborns. For instance, while increasing heart rate and improving alertness are generally positive effects, they do not align with the recognized side effects of opioid medications in newborns. Dehydration, similarly, is not directly associated with pethidine administration; the primary concern remains its sedative effects leading to respiratory complications.