Are you hesitant about getting an epidural or feeling anxious about going through labor naturally? Well, there’s a new trend that might just be the perfect middle ground: laughing gas!
It might sound more at home in a dental clinic than in a maternity ward, but nitrous oxide is making its way back into U.S. hospitals, following a long history of use in the UK since the 1930s. For instance, Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston recently became the first in the city to offer this option, with Tufts Medical Center planning to follow suit. Over on the West Coast, the University of Washington has been using nitrous oxide for years now.
The limited availability of laughing gas in the U.S. might be linked to its recent FDA approval for labor use in 2011. Since then, there’s been some confusion among hospitals about who actually provides this service. “Ten years ago, maybe five to ten hospitals would use it for laboring women,” shared Dr. Alex Thompson, director of obstetric anesthetics at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. “Now, we’re looking at several hundred, and interest is really growing.”
Why Choose Laughing Gas?
So, what makes laughing gas so appealing? The best part is that women can control their own dosage, inhaling it as needed, starting with each contraction. According to Dr. Thompson, it takes about 30 seconds to kick in and lasts for around 30 seconds after you stop breathing it in. This self-administered method helps avoid the lingering grogginess often associated with other pain medications. Plus, it’s cost-effective; nitrous oxide can be as low as $100, whereas an epidural can run up to $1,000!
However, it’s important to note that nitrous oxide doesn’t take away all the pain. “While it calmed me down and eased my fear, I still felt the discomfort,” said Anna Reynolds, who recently gave birth at a birthing center in Minnesota. “It didn’t make me laugh, but it made everything feel more manageable when I thought I couldn’t handle it anymore.”
Dr. Sarah Moore, chairman of obstetrics at Tufts Medical Center, explained, “It’s mainly used to take the edge off the pain. Some women might find it sufficient, but generally, most will need additional pain relief.” As it stands, only about 1% of women in the U.S. have used laughing gas during childbirth, which is significantly lower than the 62% in the UK.
Learn More About Pregnancy
Curious about other aspects of pregnancy? Check out this post on Intracervical Insemination Syringe Blog for more insights. If you’re considering home insemination, Make a Mom is the leading provider of at-home kits to help boost your fertility. Additionally, ASRM is a fantastic resource for pregnancy and home insemination topics.
Conclusion
In summary, laughing gas is re-emerging as a viable option for labor pain management, giving women more control and a less intense experience than traditional methods. While it won’t eliminate pain entirely, it can help ease the anxiety and discomfort that comes with childbirth.
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