{"id":362,"date":"2019-04-12T15:10:46","date_gmt":"2019-04-12T19:10:46","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/nortonhealthcaretest1.flywheelsites.com\/?page_id=362"},"modified":"2026-05-04T16:46:22","modified_gmt":"2026-05-04T20:46:22","slug":"nitrous-oxide","status":"publish","type":"service","link":"https:\/\/nortonhealthcare.com\/services-and-conditions\/obstetrics-and-gynecology\/services\/pregnancy\/birthing-options\/nitrous-oxide\/","title":{"rendered":"Nitrous Oxide"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Newly Pregnant?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019re here for you \u2013 and everything to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Call our Welcome to Pregnancy Connection Line<\/em> to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Find a provider \u2022 Schedule your first prenatal visit \u2022
Get pregnancy information<\/p>\n\n\n

\n\t\n\t\t(502) 559-2229 (BABY)\t<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Mon-Fri 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Nitrous oxide is commonly thought of as a medication used by dentists to help calm patients. Now it\u2019s available to women in labor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nitrous oxide actually was common for labor in the 1800s before alternative pain medications and epidurals became available, said C. Reed Nett, M.D., OB\/GYN<\/a> with Advocates for Women\u2019s Health, a part of Norton Women\u2019s Care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe gas is safe to use and relatively simple to use, offering pain relief and decreased anxiety, among other benefits,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nitrous oxide can reduce pain but does not cause sedation. Nitrous oxide is breathed in through a mask. The patient must be able to hold the mask herself and acknowledge the nurse to provide consent. The mask delivers the gas and captures her exhale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are There Nitrous Oxide Side Effects?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Nitrous oxide side effects can include dizziness, nausea and drowsiness, but that\u2019s only while it\u2019s being used. There are no long-term side effects for the mother, baby or staff. Women opting to use nitrous oxide are still able to move about, but may be unsteady on their feet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A woman in labor choosing nitrous oxide has a nurse focused on her throughout labor and delivery<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOther countries have been using nitrous oxide as an option for expectant mothers for more than 75 years with no ill effects,\u201d Dr. Nett said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What If Nitrous Oxide Isn\u2019t Taking Care of the Pain?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Epidural and other pain relievers can be given even if the patient has been using nitrous oxide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIf a patient uses nitrous oxide and then decides she wants an epidural, we can fulfill her request. It is about providing her with options,\u201d Dr. Nett said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What to Expect from Norton Women\u2019s Care<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

More mothers in Louisville and Southern Indiana choose to deliver their babies at Norton Hospital or Norton Women\u2019s & Children\u2019s Hospital than with any other hospital system in the area.<\/p>\n\n\n

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We deliver more than 8,000 babies a year. We\u2019re close to you with more than 90 providers at more than 25 locations around Louisville and Southern Indiana. Choosing Norton Women\u2019s Care gives you many options for how delivery day could go \u2014 all with the confidence of knowing that our obstetrics and pediatric specialists are there to help. With Norton Women\u2019s Care, you\u2019ll find:<\/p>\n\n\n\n