Using Nitrous Oxide during labor.
Nitrous Oxide use during labor has been around for over a hundred years, but is only now becoming popular in the United States. It is more commonly known as laughing gas and used during dental procedures.
But how does nitrous oxide help during labor?
According to ACOG (The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists), nitrous oxide “reduces anxiety and increases a feeling of well-being so that pain is easier to deal with.” It provides pain management for people who do not want an epidural or opioid drugs. It does not carry side effects over to the baby as 99% of it is breathed out through your exhale.
The laboring person controls the amount on their own. You start and stop on your own and control exactly how much you take in. ACOG recommends to begin inhaling 30 seconds before the start of a contraction to enhance the effects of the drug.
Since nitrous oxide is inhaled through a mask, it also helps the laboring person focus on deep controlled and relaxed breathing. This deep breathing encourages relaxation, engages the diaphragm and pelvic floor muscles, and brings oxygen to the baby. Some say the nitrous oxide doesn’t exactly take the pain away, but the deep breathing mixed with the drug relaxes you enough to manage the each contraction.
So you may not laugh, but you will take a deep breath and smile:)
So what are the Pros of using Nitrous Oxide?
- You control it yourself
- Does not carry side effects to the baby as opioids would
- Very high report of satisfaction
- Any side effects wear off almost immediately after use is discontinued
- Relief starts almost immediately when inhaled
What are the cons of using nitrous oxide?
- Some side effects may be nausea, drowsiness, or sleepiness
- Less effective than an epidural
- It requires repeated doses as it must be used with every contraction for its continued effects
- There are very few good studies on the long term effects of using it
Will you use nitrous oxide? For more information see evidencebasedbirth.com or contact me to discuss this and other options you have during labor.
This is your birth. This is your baby. This is your journey. I will guide you along whichever path you choose to take.
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