A guide to gas and air
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What is it?
Gas and air, or entonox, is a pain-relieving gas. It is a mixture of 50% oxygen and 50 per cent nitrous oxide (more commonly known as 'laughing gas'). It's available on the labour ward via tubing, which is piped from a central supply, but it can also be provided in a portable cylinder for use at home or in the bath.
The great thing about gas and air is you administer it yourself, breathing through a mask or mouthpiece, which you hold in place and use to inhale the gas.
It takes about 30 seconds for it to really take effect so it's important to start using it as soon as you feel a contraction starting. By the time it's at its peak, you'll be receiving the full effect of the gas. You don't have to remove the mouthpiece as you exhale but can leave it there, taking deep breaths in and out.
It's difficult to know how you're going to feel in labour and how you'll cope, but it's essential that you feel in control. Some women choose to use the gas and air quite early on in their labour, whereas others may only need it towards the end, or not at all.
It's a good idea to try other ways of coping first, get the basics right, such as staying at home for as long as possible, keeping upright and moving around.
A TENS machine or a bath can relieve pain, but if you need something else, then switch to the gas and air.
By Anne Richley, midwife
- Next: The pros and cons
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