To get the most benefit from using gas for pain relief in labour, it is important that it is used correctly. Your caregiver should explain the use of the gas and will usually talk you through breathing on the gas for a contraction or two, to ensure this is the case. The following is a summary of what can be involved with having gas.
Vaginal examination
Choosing a mask or mouthpiece
Timing and using of the gas
Vaginal examination. It is not really essential that the woman have a vaginal examination before using the gas for pain relief (although this tends to be the case before narcotic injections or an epidural are given). This is mainly because:
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Gas is unlikely to hinder the labour's progress. Gas does not interfere with the strength or frequency of the contractions and therefore does not slow down the labour like an epidural can. For this reason the woman's dilation is not really an issue. A vaginal examination may be suggested if the caregiver is unsure whether the woman is in prelabour or established labour. The gas is not really appropriate for use in prelabour (as it could go on for days!) and gas should only be used for a few hours at most. Natural therapies, or a narcotic injection or sedative to help the woman sleep or relax, are usually preferred in prelabour and early labour. |
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Gas can be easily reversed. The effects of gas stop within a few minutes of the woman ceasing it, as she excretes the gas out through her lungs. |
Nitrous oxide crosses the placenta to the baby rapidly, up to similar concentration levels in the mother's blood. If the mother uses it for the last contraction before the birth, the baby will be born with a level of nitrous oxide in his or her system. This does not stop and does not interfere with the baby's breathing at birth.