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When I was in labour, and during my birthing classes, I was told that gas was harmless pain relief in pregnancy. But . . . it's laughing gas isn't it? I mean, if you don't use it reasonably sparingly, it deprives your brain of oxygen, that's what the 'drunk' feeling is . . . a whole lot brain cells dying at once. Is this right?
i don't know the answer babysocks, but i'd be interested to see what other people say as i've wondered the same thing. when i used the gas i felt completely 'ripped', like i was back in year 10 or something iykwim? i can't understand how this can't do any type of damage.
All i know is that it made me sick as soon as i took a "puff".
I dotn think anything can truly be "harmless".
I wouldnt have it again - a big dose of vodka would probably have the same effect on the pain! And probably less harmfull. [LOL, not that i would actually drink during labour, but im sure DF will need a few to "get through it" - he's Polish ;) ]
They mix the nitro with oxygen because it would be pretty unsafe if it was straight- so you wont become oxygen deprived if you use it.
I'm not convinced it's really completely safe though and I'm not wanting to try it at this stage. That's also because I've personally had a lot of medical procedures and I think if I smell it it will freak me out a bit.
I have read a couple of studies that say it may not be completely safe. One claims that children born with gas used in labour are more prone to using amphetamines later in life. The other said that women who used gas alone in labour had a slightly reduced success rate at breastfeeding than those who didn't use the gas. Neither of these studies have been backed up with more support at this stage though I don't think.
I had gas when M was born. I would take a suck as the contraction began and then pass out untill the next contraction. They threathened to take it off me unless i could get my bretahing under control , but M enter the world not long after.
I used it with both girls....with DD1 i think i 'abused' it alot more then with DD2.
I think i only got the true effects (ie way to much gas) once with DD2 and i was in the shower!
DD1 i wouldnt stop taking puffs and got very high on it by the end... :D
I think its the only option id be willing to use drug wise in any labour of mine.
The effects of gas are gone after you stop breathing it in - as opposed to an injection of a drug that will last a "probable" amount of time. Once the gas is flushed out of your system with O2 its all good - which is prolly where the "safety" comes into it.
I only used gas during the stitching of the tear, and wished I'd used it earlier - as opposed to the Pethadiene injection.
It was the only medical pain relief I was willing to try but I didn't need it which I'm happy about. I'd always assumed I wouldn't like it anyway as I never much liked the out of control feeling of being stoned and supposedly its quite similar?
I got a local when the stitched my labial grazes but as usual it didn't take properly and I felt it.
the nitrous oxygen mix can be monitored on the wall units (not the cylinders) providing a lower mix or higher mix depending on a birthing womans needs. It can be used with a mask or mouth piece
the gas when first inhaled starts taking effect 15-30secs and when the last breath is expelled it is removed from your system 30-50secs later
it acts as a light sedative, creating a dissociation with the discomfort being experienced
it is not believed to cross the placental barrier as it is inhaled and does not remain in the maternal system long enough for it to be transferred to the baby
its use promotes oxygen flow to the uterus and baby, and regulates maternal breathing
some women do not like it due to the smell and the nausea this causes, switching to the mouth piece is beneficial in this case
it can be used effectively in the bath and shower, and with a number of other natural and non interventional methods of pain relief
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