Nitrous Oxide

Inhaled nitrous oxide, or “laughing gas”, is increasingly being offered to laboring women in the United States. A blend of nitrous and oxygen gases are inhaled through a mask that the laboring person holds themselves, controlling how often and how much they inhale. Nitrous use during labor helps to decrease anxiety and increase relaxation, but won’t numb sensations or alter mobility like epidural anesthesia. Nitrous use in labor is very safe, doesn’t affect baby’s alertness at birth, and its effects wear off within 5 minutes of discontinuing use.

Let us know if you’re interested in discussing nitrous use during your labor!