Why OBGYN Clinics Are Using Nitrous Oxide for Pain Relief

Ensuring comfort during an OB/GYN visit is an important part of women’s healthcare. That’s why many clinics are now offering nitrous oxide—often called “laughing gas”—as a safe option to ease pain and anxiety during gynecologic procedures. Nitrous oxide is a fast-acting sedative that slows the nervous system and induces a sense of calm, helping women relax and feel better almost immediately, all while staying awake in the exam room.  

Nitrous oxide has become a popular choice for those who want a less-intense alternative to IV pain medications or epidurals, and Revere Health now offers this option for minor procedures. In this guide, we’ll explain how nitrous oxide works, when it’s used, and what patients can expect when choosing this pain relief option.  

What Is Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)?

Nitrous oxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is delivered through a small mask placed over the nose. It provides immediate relief from discomfort, but doesn’t cause you to lose consciousness. Used in medicine for nearly 180 years and gaining widespread adoption in 1863, nitrous oxide is now common in dentistry, emergency medicine, and labor and delivery worldwide. It works by delivering a 50/50 blend of nitrous oxide and gas, which interacts with receptors in the brain to help reduce pain signals. Its effects are fast-acting and wear off quickly, offering pain and anxiety relief while allowing patients to remain fully conscious.

Why OB/GYN Clinics Use Nitrous Oxide 

Nitrous oxide is ideal for patients who prefer pain relief options that allow them to remain alert and in control. It is also a good option for patients who want pain relief without sedation or needles. Because of its flexible pain management properties, nitrous oxide has become popular throughout OB/GYN clinics. Nitrous oxide works quickly and requires minimal staffing and equipment, making it a great and accessible alternative to other pain relief options.  

Conditions & Procedures that Use Nitrous Oxide

• Labor & Delivery: Nitrous oxide has become more commonly used during labor as a gentle alternative to epidurals. It’s a great choice for patients who prefer to maintain movement while still wanting to reduce discomfort or anxiety during labor. Nitrous oxide provides patients with an option to stay in control of their body and birth experience. 
• Common OB/GYN Office Procedures: In outpatient OB/GYN clinics, nitrous oxide is used to help make quick procedures more comfortable. It can help ease pain and anxiety during services like IUD insertions, endometrial biopsies, colposcopies, hysteroscopies, and minor in-office surgeries.
• Fertility & Reproductive Medicine Procedures: Nitrous oxide can be used in reproductive medicine to provide comfort during procedures that may cause anxiety or pressure. It is ideal for brief fertility appointments, like egg retrieval preparation and transvaginal procedures, while requiring no downtime afterwards.  

 Benefits of Nitrous Oxide for OB/GYN Patients

 Below is a quick overview of the advantages and benefits of nitrous oxide: 

• Fast relief: Works within seconds 

• Stay alert: No sedation or loss of consciousness  

• Patient-controlled: You choose when to use it

• Quick recovery: Effects fade quickly

• Stay mobile: Does not limit mobility  

• Safe for labor: Used with strong safety data backing its efficacy  

• Flexible: Can be used alone or with other pain-relieving methods 

Safety Profile: Is Nitrous Oxide Safe in OB/GYN Settings?

Nitrous oxide has been safely used in medical settings for decades. It is trusted by doctors and FDA-approved, providing a safe and reliable option for OB/GYN patients. Safe for pregnant patients and newborns, nitrous oxide does not impact fetal heart rate, Apgar scores, or the progression of labor, according to research.  

Nitrous Oxide Risk Factors 

While side effects are rare, nitrous oxide may not be safe for everyone. It should be avoided for patients with: 

• Vitamin B12 deficiency 

• Severe respiratory conditions 

• Pneumothorax  

• Recent ear or eye surgery 

Clinic Safety Protocols and Monitoring for Nitrous Oxide 

OB/GYN clinics use modern delivery systems with built-in safety features to ensure that each patient has a safe and comfortable experience. Those safety features include scavenging systems, automatic shutoffs, and patient-controlled masks. Trained staff closely monitor the use of nitrous oxide throughout the procedure and follow strict safety protocols. 

What Patients Can Expect During Nitrous Oxide Use 

Nitrous oxide is used to make a patient’s experience feel easy and comfortable. It’s quick to get started and is usually administered within minutes of a procedure. It is delivered through a small handheld mask that patients bring to their faces when they are ready. The effects of the gas work within seconds of inhalation, providing patients with a relieving sensation that is often described as light and calming.  

Once the mask is removed, the gas and its effects wear off within a few breaths. With a quick offset, patients can stay mobile during their procedure and continue with their appointment without any recovery time.  

There is little preparation needed before using nitrous oxide. Patients complete a quick safety screening with their provider and are then prepared to hold the mask on their own. Avoiding heavy meals before the procedure can help reduce nausea. Patients should ask their provider any questions they have about the process so they can feel comfortable before getting started.  

Comparing Nitrous Oxide to Other Pain-Relief Options 

Nitrous oxide is one of several pain-relief options available at OB/GYN clinics. Other common options include: 

• Epidurals: Provide strong pain relief but require anesthesia support while limiting mobility. Numbing the body can interfere with the ability to push during labor.
• IV Sedation: IV medications may create drowsiness and will require more recovery time.

Revere Health offers nitrous oxide to patients who are seeking a quick, short-term option for brief procedures. It’s also helpful for those who wish to stay mobile during labor or fully awake during in-office treatments. Nitrous oxide is usually more affordable compared to other pain-relief options, although many insurance plans don’t cover it for gynecologic procedures or labor. Patients should speak with their provider to understand the cost and decide if nitrous oxide is the right option for them.   

Nitrous Oxide: Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive after nitrous oxide? 
Yes, nitrous oxide wears off quickly, and most patients recover almost immediately. However, it’s important for you to assess how you feel before driving. If you still feel dizzy, lightheaded, or nauseated, wait for the symptoms to pass or arrange for someone else to drive you. 

Does nitrous oxide impact breastfeeding?
No. Nitrous oxide does not affect breastfeeding or the quality of breastmilk. It leaves the body quickly and is not transferred into breast milk, making it safe for nursing mothers.  

Can I use nitrous oxide throughout my entire labor?
Yes, nitrous oxide can be used at any point during labor as needed. Because its effects start and stop quickly, you can use nitrous oxide liberally under the supervision of a qualified provider.  

Does laughing gas really make you laugh? 
Not usually. In OB/GYN care, nitrous oxide is administered at controlled doses, giving you calming and mild pain relief, without uncontrollable laughter.  

What are the side effects of nitrous oxide? 
Side effects of nitrous oxide are often mild and temporary. Some patients may experience: 

• Nausea 
• Tingling sensations 
• Lightheadedness
• Shivering or sweating 
• Fatigue 

Conclusion

Nitrous oxide has become increasingly popular in OB/GYN care for its gentle, fast, and flexible pain relief properties. With its quick onset, short recovery time, and patient-controlled use, it can be a great choice for those seeking a low-intervention option during gynecologic procedures or labor.  

Revere Health now offers nitrous oxide in our OB/GYN clinics as part of our commitment to providing comfortable, safe, and patient-centered care. If you’re interested in nitrous oxide for relief during labor or your next in-office procedure, we encourage you to speak with your Revere Health OB/GYN provider. They can help you understand your options and find an approach that fits your needs.