Nitrous oxide (N2O), also known as "laughing gas," is now offered as a form of pain relief for laboring mothers at the medical center's Gainesville location.
Heather Standard, the manager of the Labor and Delivery unit at NGMC Gainesville, said the gas typically used in a dental setting can be a good option for mothers looking to "take the edge off" their intense contractions during the labor process.
"Unlike a dental office, where it's administered continuously, the mother decides when and how often to use the medication," said Standard.
"When used in labor and delivery, N2O is a 50-50 mix of nitrous oxide and oxygen that women inhale through a mouthpiece."
She says the mother in labor breathes in the gas at the start of a contraction, timing it so they receive the most pain relief at the peak of the contraction. The gas wears off within a few breaths after inhaling, so the effects end with the contraction.
"This is an advantage over the narcotics, which can linger in the mom and newborn - making both sleepy and even affecting the baby's ability to breastfeed."
The gas does not provide the complete pain relief of an epidural, but medical experts at NGMC state it could be an ideal option for mothers who arrive too late to receive an epidural, or those that can't have one due to other medical issues, such as low platelets.
"We've found it to be a great coping mechanism for the pain, while still maintaining the feel and awareness of natural child birth."
NGMC Braselton will be also be offering N2O, as well as other traditional pain relief options, for laboring mothers when the new Labor and Delivery unit opens on September 12.
For more information on Labor and Delivery services online at NGMC.
