Dinitrogen monoxide in the treatment of labor pains
Ahonen, J.; Tarvonen, M.; Sainio, S.
Duodecim; Laaketieteellinen Aikakauskirja 125(10): 1060-1068
2009
ISSN/ISBN: 0012-7183 PMID: 19585904 Document Number: 637711
Self-administered nitrous oxide relieves labour pain in approximately two-thirds of women, and there is a dose-response with a maximum effect at a concentration of 70%. Nitrous oxide can be used during all stages of labour, and it has no impact on the progress of labour. Occupational exposure of health care workers to nitrous oxide has no adverse effects on their reproductive health if there is an adequate scavenging system in the delivery rooms. The greenhouse effect of the medical use of nitrous oxide is minimal and in future, its catalytic splitting to nitrogen and oxygen may overcome this adverse effect.