Nitrous oxide

Research on nitrous oxide for labor looks at both how well it works and how it is experienced. A randomized trial compared Entonox with pethidine for labor pain, and a review compares epidural analgesia, remifentanil and nitrous oxide. Studies of use in practice look at nitrous oxide use in an academic medical center in a rural state, conversion to neuraxial analgesia and birth outcome, and short-term neonatal outcomes.

Several papers ask about people's perspectives. These include women's views of nitrous oxide for labour and procedural analgesia, views on environmental and occupational exposure risks, and perspectives on sustainable practices from patients and staff. Another study examines whether nitrous oxide use affects how well parents recall neuraxial analgesia risks. A general overview of pain management during labor and vaginal birth is also tracked.

Parents commonly ask how the gas is delivered, whether it removes pain or only takes the edge off, whether it affects the baby and what staff are exposed to. Researchers continue to look at these questions, and findings vary by setting.

In class, an educator may want slides that describe what nitrous oxide has been studied for and include the voices of those who have used it. The papers below are the ones the Hub tracks on this topic.