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Who can use Gas and Air?
Gas and Air is available in most hospitals and birth centers!
If you are planning a homebirth once your midwife arrives they will usually bring the gas and air with them.
If you are choosing to freebirth this pain relief option will not be available to you.
How does Gas and Air work?
A large canister of gas is available in your room, this is attached via a long tube to a mouthpiece
The mechanism of pain relief is only now being discovered, it works by stimulating opioid-like molecules in your brain and therefore stimulating opioid receptors. It also acts in pain receptors in the spine.
Does Gas and Air work for labor pain?
A review of current research shows that Nitrous Oxide appears to be effective in reducing pain intensity and in giving pain relief in labor.
Research shows it is more effective than paracetamol, codeine, and injected opioids but less effective than an epidural.
What are the risks of using Gas and Air?
In the mum: nausea, vomiting, dizziness and drowsiness.
You have to stay near the gas canister so it can limit movement, your birth partner or doula can help you to move the canister to help you keep active.
It is tempting to bite down on the mouthpiece causing tension in your jaw which can lead to more painful contractions.
The great thing about it is that it is short-acting, if it isn't working for you, you can stop using it and the side effects will disappear
What are the benefits of using Gas and Air over other drugs?
Although small amounts can pass through the placenta there have been no adverse effects noted on babies.
It may help relieve labor pain without adversely increasing operative delivery rates (forceps or vacuum extraction, caesarian section)
It only takes minutes to work!
You are in control, it can work well with breathing techniques.
My experiences with Gas and Air
I have used gas and air quite a few times in my life (comes with having a genetic condition which makes me rather clumsy!).
I find that it makes everything feel 'fuzzy' like the world is in soft focus. I get a feeling of peace like all is good in the world, it doesn't make me laugh!
In my first labor, I used it continuously, i did find my jaw and hand/wrist felt sore as I was gripping the mouth piece, I think I had to ask my husband to hold it for me and put it in my mouth for a bit!
For my second birth I used it more intermittently, i knew it was important not to bite down and to keep my jaw relaxed. I left the canister in my room, had a breath then went for a walk down the corridor. Used in combination with my other tools (comb, birth pool, and TENs machine) I was less reliant on it but I still found it very useful.
I didn't feel as though it got rid of the pain or strong sensations, it just made them feel easier to cope with!
As a Doula what else do I suggest you use Gas and Air for?
It is not just for contractions!
If you are having an induction and opt for a pessary, gel, or balloon, you can ask for gas and air for the insertion (it can be intense!)
It can be used to help you relax during cervical exams or sweeps.
It can be used to help you relax whilst having your waters broken.
After birth, it can be used to help you birth the placenta.
You can use it if you require stitches after birth.
Have you found this information useful?
Head to my website to take a look at my other blogs and find out how I can work with you one one-on-one to prepare for an empowering birth and postpartum!
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