Bringing new life into the world is a remarkable, yet physically painful, journey. Your pain management strategy impacts the experience. Most understand epidurals and natural birth options, but what about nitrous oxide? In recent years, nitrous oxide-assisted labor has emerged as a childbirth game-changer.

Erin Clark, MD, Medical Director of Obstetrics in the Intermountain Health, provided insight into nitrous oxide-assisted births, and why many women consider them a great option.

“Every woman deserves options for pain relief in labor,” said Dr. Clark. “We were motivated to provide choices, recognizing that there isn’t one right option for every woman.”

How do nitrous oxide-assisted births work?

Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, is an odorless gas that, when inhaled, induces relaxation and euphoria. In the context of childbirth, it acts as a tool in alleviating discomfort associated with contractions and the overall birthing process.

During a nitrous oxide-assisted birth, the laboring mother is equipped with a mask to inhale controlled nitrous oxide at her own will. The beauty of this approach lies in its self-administration feature, granting women pain management autonomy.

According to Dr. Clark, nitrous oxide does not slow down labor and can be given at any time during labor. Nitrous oxide-assisted births have happened for a long time and are very safe for mothers and babies.

“While many women opt for epidurals, which provide the most significant labor pain relief, many women want something different – something to help take the edge off the pain, while still having a more natural labor experience,” said Dr. Clark.

What are the benefits of nitrous oxide-assisted birth?

Nitrous oxide-assisted births have gained popularity for a multitude of reasons, offering a range of benefits such as:

Flexibility: One of the biggest advantages of nitrous oxide is flexibility. Unlike other pain relief options, such as epidurals, nitrous oxide allows for an adaptable pain management approach. Laboring women can decide when and how much nitrous oxide to inhale.

Rapid onset/offset: The effects of nitrous oxide have a rapid onset and offset. This means that the relief is fast, responding almost immediately to the inhalation. It also means once the inhalation stops, the effects wear off quickly. This quick response time allows for precise pain management tailored to the intensity of contractions, without lingering effects.

Minimal intervention: Nitrous oxide can fit the preference of women who prefer a minimally invasive pain relief approach to childbirth. It doesn’t involve the use of needles or catheters, providing a non-invasive alternative to more intensive methods.

“Nitrous oxide works particularly well for women who want a more natural labor experience, but who also want something to help them relax and cope with labor discomfort,” said Dr. Clark. “Some women know they want to use nitrous oxide for their labor, while others identify it as a good back-up plan if they need it.”

For women who want comprehensive pain relief in labor, Dr. Clark added, an epidural is usually a better option.

How is nitrous oxide administered during birth?

The medical administration method plays a crucial role in any intervention, and nitrous oxide is no different.

After the nitrous oxide is set up by the medical team, women hold a mask to their face during contractions and breathe the gas. According to Dr. Clark, this is the safest way to administer nitrous oxide and gives the mother control over how much she wants or needs.

“The gas gives a feeling of well-being and euphoria; it helps women cope with the discomfort and feel more in control of the process,” said Dr. Clark. “I tell women that it helps them ‘ride the labor wave.’”

The ability to customize pain relief in real-time, along with the rapid onset and offset of effects, can make nitrous oxide a versatile option for laboring mothers.

“Unlike with epidurals, nitrous oxide allows mothers to move around in labor,” said Dr. Clark. “And unlike IV pain medication, nitrous oxide wears off very quickly, meaning it can be administered all the way through labor and delivery without a risk for the baby being sedated.”

How has nitrous oxide assisted births helped other women?

Dr. Clark has seen the benefits of this approach with her patients. Especially for women who understand labor pain relief options as an ‘all or none’ – an epidural or nothing – nitrous oxide addresses that gap.

“Many women report that they were able to have a more natural labor experience with nitrous oxide and avoid an epidural that they didn’t want,” said Dr. Clark. “It’s a beautiful thing to see more mothers fulfilling their birth plans by having the option of nitrous oxide.”

Nitrous oxide-assisted deliveries are currently offered at Intermountain Health’s Orem Community Hospital and Alta View Hospital. Please contact an Intermountain Health OB/GYN, like Dr. Clark, to see if nitrous oxide-assisted births are a viable option for you.