Using Laughing Gas To Relieve The Pain Of Childbirth

The pain of giving birth has been likened to amputating a finger. While everyone's childbirth experience is subjective of course, it's safe to say it hurts. A lot. And though doctors and midwives can offer everything from birthing balls to epidurals to ease, dull, and numb that pain, one thing that hasn't been in the tool kit in the U.S. for decades is nitrous oxide. This colorless, odorless gas -- the same “laughing gas” often administered at the dentist’s office -- when inhaled causes the woman's body to relax and gives her a calm feeling.

Our 2024 Coverage Needs You

As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.

Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.

Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.

Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.

Support HuffPost

Parents

Our 2024 Coverage Needs You

Related

From Our Partner

HuffPost Shopping’s Best Finds

This Affordable Drugstore Cream Might Be The Closest Thing To The Famous La Mer

You'll Never Know How You Lived Without This 'Cadillac Of Utility Carts'

This TikTok-Famous Travel Bag Has A More Affordable Doppelgänger — And It's 42% Off

19 Last-Minute Mother’s Day Gifts From Amazon That Will Arrive On Time

This Internet-Beloved Bedding Brand Is Having Its Biggest Sale Of The Year

MORE IN LIFE

5 Signs Your Partner May Have An Avoidant Attachment Style

7 Surprising Money ‘Rules’ Most People Don’t Know (But Should)

Many Americans Have Villainized MSG — And It’s Making A Comeback

I’m A Spine Doctor. Here’s 1 Thing I’d Never, Ever Do If I Had Back Pain.

5 Good Signs Your Skin Is Actually Aging Well

Surprise! This Innocent-Looking Bathroom Item Is Actually The Germiest Part Of Your Bathroom

Cool Women's Sunglasses You Can Get On Amazon For Under $20

24 Foolproof Mother’s Day Gifts For Moms Who Are Hard To Shop For

31 Inexpensive Products With Real Fancy Vibes

If There Were A Problem-Solving Hall Of Fame, You Would Find These 30 Products There

This Gen Z'er Makes $82K A Year And Is Still Struggling Financially — Here's How It Affects Her Daily Life

Can A Sexless Marriage Survive? We Asked The Experts.

Totally Lovely Mother's Day Gifts That Cost Less Than $30

We Track Sales For A Living – Here Are 33 Way Day Deals That We Recommend

19 Outdoor Furniture Deals Worth Shopping From Wayfair’s Way Day Sale

39 Products For Anyone In Their Quiet Luxury Era, But On A Budget

This 1 Thing In ‘13 Going On 30’ Is Still Too Real 20 Years Later

It's Settled: THIS Is The Best Way To Make A Margarita

29 Pairs Of Shoes Reviewers Say Make It Feel Like You’re 'Walking On Clouds'

The Funniest Tweets From Women This Week

Calling All Hot Sleepers: Cooling Pillows Are Under $50 In Brooklinen's Sitewide Sale

This Popular Large-Room Air Purifier Is Somehow Less Than $70 Right Now

We Shop For A Living And These Are Our Favorite Products Ever

The Luxury Serum That Has Kept My Mom's Skin Glowing For Years Is 15% Off Right Now

Right Now, This Affordable Stanley Tumbler Look-A-Like Is On Sale For Even Less

Achieve Perfect Cold Brew Or Iced Coffee With One Of These Highly-Rated Options From Amazon

26 Beauty Products Reviewers Over 50 Wished They’d Known About Sooner

12 Shorts For Men That Aren't Too Long And Don't Look Dumb

These 15 Products Can Make Gardening So Much More Comfortable

This Is The Mint Julep Recipe Served At The Kentucky Derby

This Skin Serum Is A Secret Weapon For Shrinking Large Pores — And It's On Sale

Right Now, This Affordable Stanley Tumbler Look-A-Like Is On Sale For Even Less

This Luxury Moisturizer Is Very Rarely On Sale — So Act Fast

The Nasty Truth About 'Poo Plumes' — And How To Protect Yourself From Them

This Palestinian Olive Oil Soap Is The Best I’ve Ever Used

The 'Unsexy' Beauty Products That My Algorithm Keeps Suggesting Are Actually Pretty Great

Skin Care Gems Reviewers Say Save Them During Flights & Beyond

12 Cute And Comfortable Garden Clogs That Aren’t Crocs

HuffPost Readers Love This Ultra-Comfortable Sneaker — And It Just Got An Upgrade

Why Drew Barrymore’s Interview With Kamala Harris Was So Cringey