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Labor Pains: Colorado Women Can Choose Nitrous Oxide During Birth

DENVER (CBS4)- There's a new option at one hospital in Colorado for birthing mothers to ease the pain of labor: nitrous oxide.

The University of Colorado Hospital, the first hospital in the region, will start offering the alternative method for pain relief on Oct. 13.

Nitrous oxide is the same gas used by dentists when they perform dental work. It was first used in labor during the 1930s.

Jessica Anderson
Certified Nurse Midwife Jessica Anderson demonstrates nitrous oxide usage (credit: CBS)

Nitrous oxide gas is a blend of nitrous and oxygen. Unlike a continuous stream at a dental office, women can breathe the gas for a short time to help them through a contraction and then remove the mask until it's needed again.

It's still widely used in Europe to decrease labor pain and soon it will be used by women in labor in Colorado.

University of Colorado Hospital has two nitrous oxide machines for labor and delivery. Those machines are first come, first served. The hospital may add more if needed.

Labor and delivery staff at University of Colorado Hospital underwent training for using nitrous oxide to help women ease the pain of labor.

"The patient needs to hold it themselves," said Certified Nurse-Midwife Jessica Anderson. "Thirty seconds, 45 seconds before the contraction starts you want them to start taking some big, deep breaths."

Birthing mothers can choose to use nitrous oxide where they will be breathing in a colorless, odorless gas, just like so-called "laughing gas" used at the dentist. It's used as a way to help mothers relax during childbirth.

"The evidence shows that patients don't rate their pain any different but they care less about it," said Anderson.

Breathing nitrous oxide gives patients additional oxygen and also releases endorphins, helping to reduce the sensation of pain. The gas does not affect the woman's ability to push during labor.

The gas is considered safe for both mother and baby.

Kristina Bustza is a nurse anesthetist who is 36 weeks pregnant. She wanted a natural birth but has revised that plan once she learned about nitrous oxide.

"Ah, to use the nitrous, I think it sounds like a great idea and I can integrate it at my control," said Bustza.

Using the gas doesn't mean forgoing an epidural, it's another way for a woman to decide what's best for her.

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