Gas and air in labor: What to Ask About Using It

Gas and air, often called Entonox, is a mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide breathed through a mouthpiece or mask. It can make labour pain easier to cope with, though it usually does not remove it completely. You hold the equipment yourself and control when you use it.

Ask the midwife to demonstrate

The timing matters because the effect takes a short time to build. Your midwife can show you how to begin as a contraction starts and return to ordinary air between contractions. Take time to learn the equipment rather than worrying about getting it right immediately.

Tell the team if you cannot use the mouthpiece comfortably or if the technique makes it difficult to communicate. They can help you adjust or discuss another option. A support person can encourage you, but should not hold the mask over your face for you.

Notice how it affects you

Some people feel more relaxed or find the pain less overwhelming. Others find it less helpful than they expected. Nausea, dizziness, a dry mouth or sleepiness can occur, and the effects usually settle quickly when you stop inhaling the gas.

Tell the midwife if you feel unwell, very drowsy or unable to concentrate. You can stop and breathe ordinary air while they assess what is happening. Ask for help moving if you feel dizzy rather than trying to walk unaided.

Include your health history in the discussion

Tell the team about medical conditions and medicines, including any known vitamin B12 deficiency. Prolonged nitrous oxide exposure can affect vitamin B12, and your team can assess whether this or another concern changes the plan. Ask what monitoring or review is needed if use continues for a long time.

Availability can vary between settings. Check your unit’s arrangements before labour and ask what alternatives are available if gas and air cannot be provided or is unsuitable for you.

Ask for more relief when needed

You do not have to keep using gas and air if it is not helping. Tell the midwife how the pain feels and ask about other treatments. Our pain relief options guide compares the main choices and their practical requirements.

Medicines should be combined only under your care team’s direction. If you are considering stronger regional pain relief, the epidural guide explains the assessment, monitoring and time needed. Choosing gas and air early in labour does not commit you to using it throughout birth.