Pain relief options
Nitrous oxide (gas)
How do I use nitrous oxide in labour?
- you control the amount you use
- start breathing on it as soon as you feel a contraction coming on, so you will get the full effect when the pain is at its peak
- avoid use between contractions or for long periods as this can make you feel dizzy.
What is nitrous oxide?
Nitrous oxide is a gas that is mixed with oxygen and administered through a face mask or a mouthpiece held in the mouth.
Nitrous oxide is simple and quick to act and wears off in minutes. It will not take the pain away completely, but it may help.
More information: Pregnancy, Birth and Baby – Gas (Entonox)
In this guide:
- Managing pain in labour
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
- Sterile water injections (SWIs)
- Nitrous oxide (gas)
- Morphine
- Epidurals