Nitrous Oxide for Pain Relief in Labor

Ask the Midwife Nitrous Oxide for Pain Relief in LaborWhat is nitrous oxide and how is it used for labor?Nitrous oxide is known by most people as "laughing gas."Many dentists use it to help with pain during dental care.For labor pain, half nitrous oxide gas is mixed with half oxygen and breathed through a mask or a mouthpiece.Many people in Europe and other countries, such as Canada and Australia, use it to help cope with pain in labor.It is so common that in some countries as many as 8 in 10 people use nitrous oxide to help with labor pain.People in these countries have been using this method of pain relief in labor safely for many years.Nitrous oxide hasn't been used as often in the United States, but that is changing. How does nitrous oxide work to relieve pain during labor?The nitrous oxide gas is mixed with oxygen in special equipment, and you breathe it through a mask or mouthpiece.You hold your own mask, so you decide when to use it and how much you need.You start to breathe in the gas mixture about 30 seconds before a contraction begins.Starting to breathe the gas before a contraction begins helps the gas to work best about the same time the contraction reaches its peak, so you get the greatest amount of relief.You take the mask or mouthpiece off between contractions and use it on and off as you choose. How much does nitrous oxide help with labor pain?How well nitrous oxide works is different for every person.At least half of the people who use it say it is helpful and they would choose to use it again.Some people say that it "takes the edge off" of the peak of the contractions, enough that they are able to better cope with their labor.Others report more pain relief.Nitrous oxide also lowers anxiety.This helps you feel less tense during contractions, which may also help you cope with pain better.Some people do not find nitrous oxide helpful enough or do not like the way it makes them feel.If you are one of these people, you may choose to try a different pain relief option to help your labor pain.Other pain relief methods can still be used after using nitrous oxide. How will I feel while I am using nitrous oxide?You might feel drowsy, lightheaded, or a little silly while you are using nitrous oxide.This is why it got the name laughing gas.Because you may feel a little unsteady, a family member or staff person should always be in the room while you are breathing the gas.These are common side effects that should go away quickly when you stop breathing the gas.Some people feel nauseous, and other medication can be given to make the nausea go away if needed.Rarely, people say they feel restless or confused at times.