Nitrous oxide commonly known as laughing gas is making a return to the labor rooms. Laughing gas had been removed from acceptance in the United States a couple decades ago and only two hospitals had kept it available for use. Commonly known and associated to the dentist office it is attempting a comeback into the labor room. Even some of the most well revered hospitals are making plans on starting to offer it as an option. The federal government is underway in its reviewing it after its long time absence, the equipment required to administer it is expected to be on the market shortly.
Many new mom’s are contemplating this option since it has no harmful effects upon the fetus. In the United Kingdom, Canada and other nations, laughing gas is available for those labor and delivery pains endured by women worldwide. The United States simply rid the option to others available such as epidural. Epidural blocks pain in a certain region of the body to produce a total lack of feeling. However, they are not with draw backs such as sudden drop in blood pressure, severe headaches, back aches, among some risks to the baby such as respiratory depression. Costs of epidurals are much higher than that in comparison to old fashioned laughing gas.
Certified nurse mid-wife, Judith Bishop, at the University of California San Francisco Medical Center and leader in the attempt to bring nitrous oxide to the labor and delivery rooms, notes the real reason for the absence of laughing gas is simply going high tech. She notes it is not a magical solution however, it will take that edge off the pain. It should be listed among options available to women especially in small rural communities that do not have an a anesthesiologist handy all the time. Laughing gas can be self-administered and used later on during labor.
Ms. Bishop does note this choice is not for all women. If you do not wish to feel labor pain at all then laughing gas would not be the best choice to make. However, for women who do not want to use something strong like epidural that does carry possible negative effects for mom and baby this could be a viable option choice.
The well respected and regarded Dartmouth-Hitcock Hospital is planning on purchasing the new equipment in April, where they have plans to purchase two machines and their estimates show that at least ten to twenty percent of patients might decide to give the laughing gas a try.
While everyone is awaiting the comeback expected, the federal agency Healthcare Research and Quality is reviewing the effectiveness and safety of laughing gas option in comparison to other method options.
Other natural options
Reflexology
In labor call your reflexologist to come in and help. Reflexologists can help during different stages of pregnancy which include fatigue, backache and inducing labor. Applied pressure is used on particular point of the hands, feet and ears that are linked to specific organs in the body. Many women claim their reflexologist has aided in maker their labor quicker and less painful.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture has been shown effective in a few studies. In one study women who had acupuncture for labor had requested less use of other methods such as nitrous oxide or epidrurals. 86% of the women who had used it stated they would use it again for child birth.
Chiropractic
During pregnancy women commonly have back pain and due to the fact they cannot really take medications they seek out chiropractic care. Chiropractic care is safe, effective and medication free treatment for both the mom and baby.
Some usual pregnancy conditions chiropractic treats include lower back pain, sciatica, IT band syndrome, carpal tunnel and tarsal tunnel.
Chiropractic care has been demonstrated to remarkably decrease both back pain during pregnancy and labor. A study had also found that women who had chiropractic care from the tenth week of pregnancy through delivery had shorter labor. First time mom’s had a 24% less labor time and repeat moms had 39% shorter labor. Also, the study revealed women had less back pain as a result of chiropractic care ranging from 25% to 100%.
Sources:
MSNBC
American Pregnancy
Zippy Health
Baby Zone
Concept Chiropractic
