Gas and air (also known as Entonox) helps to ease the pain of contractions, and lasts as long as you keep breathing it in. It does not take the pain away but helps you to cope with it better.
Gas and air is a mix of 2 gases – nitrous oxide and oxygen.
Gas and Air
How it works
- comes with a tube and a mouthpiece that you breathe through when you need it. For it to work well you need to breath it in as soon as you feel a contraction starting.
- it starts to work within about 15 to 20 seconds after you first breathe it in - you keep breathing it until the contraction pain starts to ease.
Pros
- is safe to use throughout labour - there’s no danger of having too much.
- leaves your body quickly.
- won’t stop you using other pain relief (can be used in the birthing pool).
- won’t affect your baby as very little will reach them.
Cons
- can make some women feel sick when they use it.
- doesn’t give long-lasting pain relief.
