Pregnancy guide > Labour and birth > Pain relief > Pain relief in labour: Entonox (gas and air)

Pain relief in labour: Entonox (gas and air)

Useful information on the advantages and disadvantages of using Entonox (gas and air) as a form of pain relief during childbirth.
Entonox also known as gas and air or 'laughing gas', is commonly used for pain relief during childbirth. It is a mixture of oxygen and a gas called nitrous oxide that you inhale through a mouthpiece or a face mask (the preference should be yours). Research shows that women find it useful but it may not be very effective in actually lessening the pain.

The advantages of Entonox:
  • You decide when to use Entonox, so you feel more in control.
  • It works in 30-40 seconds but has no lasting effect.
  • It apparently has no unpleasant side effects on your baby.
  • It doesn't stop you wanting to push
  • You can use it right up to the moment of giving birth.
The disadvantages of Entonox:
  • You may need a bit of practice with the mouthpiece and timing with your contractions, before you feel the full effects.
  • It can make you feel sick, dizzy or light-headed
  • It may limit how much you can walk about.

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it just takes you away i dint have it for childbirth but i thaut it was brilliant when i had it xx but it can make you feel very sick and gives you a rele dry mouth make sure u have a cold drink to hand xx
by sexymum1bull 14th May 2010, 4:25pm
any1 got advice on taking gas + air does it feel like ur stoned or drunk? or is it make you feel good, does it take ease of the pain or ur mind of the pain??
by teenmummy69 13th Jan 2009, 9:16am

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