Kinnunen M, et al. - By performing this pragmatic trial, researchers tested subcutaneous oxycodone for its efficacy, foetal exposure and safety in the latent phase of labour. Participants were 76 parturients who were administered subcutaneous oxycodone for analgesia in the latent phase of labour as per the hospital protocol: an initial dose 0.1 mg/kg, and a second dose, 0.05 mg/kg, could be given four hours later. A numerical rating scale of 0-10 was employed to evaluate pain intensity and pain relief. A substantial reduction in pain scores was evident, from a median pain score of 7/10 prior to oxycodone to median scores of 5/10 at 30 min post-administration, 5/10 at 60 min and 6/10 at 120 min. There were mild maternal adverse effects and no oxycodone-associated neonatal adverse effects. Findings revealed that effective pain relief during the latent phase of labour was afforded by subcutaneous oxycodone. Low newborn exposure at birth was reported, and tolerability of oxycodone was good.