The preBötzinger Complex, a small part of the brain, was found to be responsible for the generation of automatic rhythmic breathing. My study investigated the adverse effects of early fentanyl exposure on the development of the preBötzinger Complex during the first 5 days after birth and its long-term effects on breathing in mice.

Fentanyl is an opioid painkiller that is often given to mothers during child-birth. Some cases reported that maternal fentanyl use caused reduced breathing in new-borns. It is known that opioids decrease the activity of the preBötzinger Complex but its long-term effects have not been investigated.

The results of my study provided evidence that early fentanyl exposure can have long-term detrimental effects on newborns that could increase the risk of several disorders. This talk might change your mind about the use of opioid pain relief in labour.