Women who give birth at West Medical Center in Willoughby have a new option for helping them through the pains of labor, laughing gas.
The health system is one of fewer than 100 hospitals in the United States to offer the mild analgesia also called nitrous oxide, according to Lake Health.
Unlike epidurals and narcotics delivered by IV, which confine women to bed, patients can use nitrous oxide while standing, squatting, sitting on a birthing ball or even in the bathtub, according to Lake Health. And it can also be used later in the process when it's sometimes too late for an epidural, Lake Health stated.
Women inhale the gas through a facemask, and it is mixed with oxygen. But unlike in the dentist's office, women will decide when and how often to use the gas, Lake Health stated.
Epidurals are more effective for pain relief, but laughing gas helps with the mental aspect, according to Pam Hetrick, a Lake Health nurse midwife. She said it makes patients feel euphoric and relaxed.
