Nitrous Oxide for Kansas City Births!
Kansas City has a "new" pain management option!
In 2019, Nitrous Oxide became available in Kansas City to laboring people at Research Medical Center (HCA Midwest Health) and Overland Park Regional Medical Center. The addition has been a part of a resurgence of availability across the country that started in 2014. While Nitrous Oxide or “laughing gas” has been readily available in delivery rooms in the UK, Canada, and Australia for over a century, the US was slow to have it be a part of our pain management options. Nitrous Oxide was first used during labor in 1881 and is currently used in 50 percent of all births in both Canada and Australia and 60 percent of all births in the UK! As a relatively new option for KC families to consider, there are still many questions about how to use it in labor and birth.
The Nitrous Oxide used in labor is different than the mixture used for dental work - the place most people associate the term "laughing gas." When your dentist uses Nitrous Oxide, it is a 70/30 mix of Nitrous and oxygen - and it is typically continuously flowing and used for the length of a procedure.
In labor, the mix is 50 percent nitrous and 50 oxygen, and it flows through a hand-held cannula - a mask the laboring person brings to the face to draw in a breath. Nitrous Oxide use in labor is used sporadically and is a way for people to take an active role in administering pain relief in the way that feels best for each contraction and each individual’s need. This analgesic effect helps the birthing person to feel calm and allows their body to relax.
Typically, a laboring person takes a few breaths before a contraction starts, to have the relief on board at the height of the contraction. Then, with a few breaths away from the cannula, the Nitrous Oxide is quickly removed from the bloodstream. This fast-acting and fast short life of the gas is a huge benefit of its use. Nitrous Oxide does cross the placenta, but leaves quickly and does not interfere with the natural production of oxytocin, meaning a baby can be alert and bonding during the golden hour after birth.
Some quick facts and answers:
Nitrous Oxide can be administered by the labor and delivery nurse, making it extremely easy and quick if a patient chooses to use this pain relief option.
No additional IV is needed for use.
The range of benefits for the person taking Nitrous Oxide is anywhere from feeling nothing to feeling everything - most identify still feeling contractions, but not caring they exist.
For many, Nitrous Oxide allows them to feel less anxious or scared.
If you do not like the feeling of the gas, you simply stop using it.
You do not have to restrict food, water, or movement to use Nitrous Oxide.
If you have a vitamin B12 deficiency or cannot hold the mask to your face, you are not a good candidate for Nitrous Oxide.
Nitrous Oxide or “laughing gas” is not yet widely available in the Greater Kansas City Area hospitals. If this is an option that you would like for your birth, please let your care provider (OB or midwife) and hospital know about your interest. The more interest there is in this pain management option the more motivation there will be to bring it into more hospitals.