Gas and Oxygen

 

	Meditation as a form of Total Relaxation
	Gas and Oxygen
	TENS

This method of pain relief - made up of 50% oxygen and 50% nitrous oxide (laughing gas), is taken by inhaling the gas either through a rubber mask or mouthpiece held between your lips, at the onset of a contraction. This method can be quite successful if done correctly - inhaling of the gas should begin as soon as you feel a contraction starting. This will give it time to gradually build up in your bloodstream, thus offering you maximum pain relief once the contraction has reached it's peak. Many women find optimum relief in this method, and enjoy being able to control the amount of gas needed, however there are those women who report that 'gas and air' alone do not offer enough pain relief as their labour progresses.

Advantages:

• You are in control, and can use as much as is needed.
• There are no harmful effects to the baby.
• The effects are temporary, and in between contractions the drowsiness will disappear.

Disadvantages:

• Being a mild painkiller, it won't offer total pain relief.
• Some women say that the gas makes them feel nauseous.
• Your mouth may become dry with an increase in thirst, if used for a long period of time.