Laughing Gas for Childbirth Commonly Used in Other Countries Finally Offered by More U.S. Hospitals

nitrous oxide laughing gas Childbirth labor pain reliever

By Jo Anne Hubert , Parent Herald Sep 14, 10:55 am

There are many ways to battle labor pain: epidurals, spinal blocks, and medications like Demerol. One more is quite popular in other countries but unavailable in the U.S. up until now.

Nitrous oxide, commonly known as "laughing gas," is finally on the rise in the U.S., and many soon-to-be-mothers are relieved that they have another option to alleviate birth pain.

Laura, a 41-year-old from Islip, New York, who asked to withhold her full name for privacy purposes, said that she became excited when her hospital offered nitrous oxide for labor as she was to give birth to her second baby. She shared with Today that the laughing gas helped her bear and cope with her fears about giving birth.

She gave birth at Northwell Health Huntington Hospital in Huntington, New York. They placed a mask on her face before contraction, through which she inhaled the gas, a blend of 50 percent nitrous oxide and 50 percent oxygen. She then felt the gas' "anti-anxiety" effect, which made her feel "intense pressure" during contractions instead of sharp pains.

"You're cognitively aware of everything that's going on. If you don't want the effects of it, you can simply stop using it. You're not confined. With the epidural there's a lot of movement restriction. For that to hurt less (means) the more that you can relax into it. When you're actively inhaling the gas, you really let go in the moment and then the relaxation following the contraction ... it made it easier to tolerate the next contraction," Laura narrated.

Why is it called 'Laughing Gas'

According to Christina Spencer, D.O., an OB-GYN in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, the gas does not make the patient laugh, alluding to its name. It slows the nervous system, which results in the birthing mom feeling less inhibited and creating a "sense of well-being or euphoria." This combination makes the patient feel gigglier than usual.

Many soon-to-be mothers like Laura opt for the laughing gas because it is much less intrusive and aggressive than epidural or narcotic pain medication. Like Laura, who confessed to being risk-averse and experiencing more anxiety during medical procedures, the risks associated with an epidural were more than she could take.

Thus, for expectant mothers like Laura, Dr. Spencer suggests nitrous oxide as a good option for a non-invasive pain reliever they can control. It can be continuously used and allows patients to walk during labor. It is also the best option for those who are diagnosed with anxiety, are scared of hospitals, and have a hard time relaxing or releasing tension.

Moreover, it is the least expensive option available, with little to no effect on the baby. The mom can breastfeed safely after delivery even if nitrous oxide has been inhaled.

Why is it being offered in the U.S. just now?

Despite all the benefits, it is only now that more American hospitals are offering the option from only two hospitals in 2011, due to a whole new set of labor situations that can be "tricky to manage," as reported by Parents.

According to hospitals, they found it less effective in relieving pain. Though it can promote a sense of relaxation, because its effect isn't long-term, the gas cannot completely block the pain, resulting in the birthing mom deciding to use an epidural afterward most of the time.

Dr. Jennifer Butt, M.D, FACOG, an ob-gyn at Upper East Side Obstetrics & Gynecology, elaborated that scientific literature looks at laughing gas as "poor" for labor pain. The general consensus expressed that "neuraxial anesthesia," like the epidural, is still much more effective.

Dr. Butt also declared that more research is needed on the topic, especially its limitations and long-term complications.