90: Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, was first used as a labor analgesic in 1881. Today it is commonly used as a labor analgesic in countries like Great Britain, Canada, and Australia. Nitrous oxide is not as common in the United States, and this is changing as it is becoming more widely available in both hospitals and birth centers. A benefit of using nitrous oxide is that it can easily be incorporated in a natural or a low intervention birth. During labor it is administered by breathing a mixture of 50% nitrous oxide and 50% oxygen, which you time with your contractions to manage their intensity. Nitrous oxide induces feelings of euphoria, and creates a disassociation with discomfort of contractions. This episode dives into everything you need to know about nitrous oxide, and the risks and benefits of using it during labor and birth.

Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/episode90/

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