Impact of the Number of Opiates Prescribed on Post Cesarean Pain Control

Study Design and Methods: The investigators will conduct a randomized controlled trial evaluating the difference in postpartum pain control in women receiving two different amounts of oxycodone after cesarean delivery. Primary outcomes • The primary outcome is the percent of patients who refill their narcotic prescription after cesarean delivery. Secondary outcomes 1. Duration of use of narcotic after cesarean delivery, as assessed by the Post Cesarean Pain Control Survey (see attachment). 2. Amount of narcotic unused after cesarean delivery, measured in number of remaining pills, as assessed by the Post Cesarean Pain Control Survey. 3. Disposition of unused drug, as assessed by the Post Cesarean Pain Control Survey. 4. Patient satisfaction with pain control after cesarean delivery, as assessed by the Post Cesarean Pain Control Survey. Patients will be identified by one of the investigators or designated research staff as either scheduled to undergo repeat cesarean delivery or status post cesarean from review of postpartum delivery lists. If they meet inclusion and exclusion criteria, they will be approached for enrollment in the study. If they consent they will be randomized on the day of discharge to group A or group B via sequentially numbered, sealed, opaque envelope. All patients will be provided standard education regarding pain control in the form of a fact sheet regarding trajectories of pain resolution, normative opioid consumption post cesarean, as well as risks, benefits and alternatives to opiates. If unable to purchase over the counter medications, prescriptions for ibuprofen and acetaminophen will be provided, as well as phone numbers for contact should any concerns arise between the time of discharge and post operative assessment. The patient will be scheduled for a postoperative wound check 10-14 days postpartum. Postoperative wound evaluation will be performed in the research site's OB clinic setting at which time the survey will be completed by the patient regarding satisfaction with pain control, length of opiate treatment, number of opiates left in prescription and need for refills.