Nitrous Oxide for Pain Relief in Labor: What You Need to Know
Nitrous Oxide for Pain Relief in Labor: What You Need to Know When it comes to pain relief options during labor, nitrous oxide—often called "laughing gas"—is one of the lesser-known but growing choices available to birthing people in the United States. While it has been widely used for labor pain relief in countries like Canada, the UK, and Sweden for decades, its use in the U.S. has only recently started gaining traction. So, what does the evidence actually say about nitrous oxide during labor? Let’s dive in! What Is Nitrous Oxide and How Does It Work? Nitrous oxide is an inhaled analgesic, meaning it provides systemic pain relief rather than numbing a specific area like an epidural. It’s a 50/50 mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen, administered through a mask that you hold over your mouth and nose. The key to using it effectively is timing your breaths—starting to inhale 30-45 seconds before a contraction peaks to experience the best pain relief. Unlike an epidural, n...