It’s a Good Time to be Pregnant in Philadelphia: A New Pain Relief Option for Labor Will be Available Soon!

It’s a Good Time to be Pregnant in Philadelphia: A New Pain Relief Option for Labor Will be Available Soon!
Main Line Doulas provides doula support to many women who decide to welcome their babies at The Birth Center at Lifecycle Woman Care. Recently, The Birth Center at LWC announced that they had expanded availability for the spring of 2017.

Now, The Birth Center at LWC has even more good news: starting this spring, they will be offering nitrous oxide as an option for pain management during labor.
As per The Birth Center at LWC’s recent Facebook announcement, nitrous oxide is a safe, easy, and comforting form of relief. They will be one of the first places in Philadelphia to offer it as an option for laboring women. We hope that more providers will soon follow their lead!
NPR recently reported that use of nitrous oxide (commonly known as laughing gas) is on the rise in the US . Although it was prevalent use in the early 20th century, it fell out of favor as more potent forms of pain relief became available.
It can be a great option for women who want to avoid an epidural. New mother Amy Marks recently used it when she gave birth to her son, Ethan at South County Hospital in Rhode Island. She reported that it “really took the edge off” of her contractions. Her nurse-midwife, Cynthia Voytas, describes its effects like this: “It gives you a euphoria that helps you sort of forget about the pain for a little bit.”

Nitrous Oxide “gives you a euphoria that helps you sort of forget about the pain for a little bit”.


Here are a few things to keep in mind if you are considering using nitrous oxide during your birth:  
  • It does not reduce pain. Instead, it gives you a sense of euphoria and will help you feel relaxed.
  • It leaves the body quickly. Although it will pass through the placenta, and into fetal circulation, it’s gone as soon as the baby takes a couple breaths.
  • Since it has been used regularly in Europe, there is data to show that it’s safe.

This is a great option for anyone is seeking a natural birth, and we are excited that it is now available to mothers in the Philadelphia area.