Articles
Labor and delivery: Pain medications
Introduction
Pudendal block
Content
Epidural block
Spinal block
Opioids
Local anesthetic injection
Nitrous oxide
Pros
Cons
Pudendal block
Content
Epidural block
Spinal block
Opioids
Local anesthetic injection
Nitrous oxide
Pros
Cons
Pros
Nitrous oxide can be used on and off or continuously during labor. You control the amount you use. You'll be able to walk during labor. If you become too drowsy, you won't be able to hold the mask to your face and you'll stop inhaling the anesthetic.
The effects quickly wear off when you take off the face mask. Nitrous oxide is believed to have little effect on the baby.
