What is Gas & Air?

What is Gas & Air? Entonox (gas and air) is a colourless, odourless gas made up of 50% oxygen and 50% nitrous oxide. It's also known as laughing gas which you may have already heard of. It's used commonly during labour as form of pain relief. It can take the edge off pain rather than blocking it out completely. You may also find that it makes you feel light-headed and giggly, like you've had a couple of glasses of wine!

Gas and air should be available wherever you choose to give birth, including birth centres, homebirth and hospitals

In hospital, it commonly available from a central supply in the wall so that it can be given to you on tap whenever you need it.

If you're in a hospital or a birth centre without a central supply, or if you're having a homebirth your midwife can bring gas and air to you in portable cylinders. Gas & Air is administered through a mouth piece in most hospitals although some use masks which may be a little more uncomfortable. You inhale on the Gas & Air continuously through a contraction, putting it down when the contraction is over. There are no known side effects to the baby and it doesn't cross the placenta. If used excessively ( puffing away even when there's not a contraction or breathing on it too fast) it may cause nausea, vomiting or a feeling of being 'out of control'. It's not for everyone but it's definitely worth considering!

I used Gas & Air with all 3 of my vaginal births and it was great. With my last birth (pictured) I found breathing on it kept me focused, especially as I reached transition. If you've used it, what are your experiences?