No Joke: Laughing Gas Relieving Labor Pains

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Amber Lott arrived in the world on May 22nd. Her joyful disposition may have started at birth. Mom Nancy Lott is one of the first women in Southwest Florida to use laughing gas to relieve the pain of childbirth.

“It’s kind of like what they give you at the dentist’s office. As soon as the contraction begins, you take in your allotted breaths. And as the contraction was easing off you just breathe regularly and you’re able to tolerate it much better,” says Lott.

Time-tested throughout the world, nitrous oxide was once popular in the US as well. Decades ago it gave way to epidurals. Now, moms-to-be are giving it a second look.

“It’s sort of a dissociation from the pain or an easier way to manage the pain,” says Dr. Kevin Fleishman, who is an obstetrician on medical staff of Lee Memorial Health System.

Available within Lee Memorial Health System, laboring moms self-administer. Pronox is a blend of nitrous oxide and oxygen.

“At a 50% combination it provides pain relief and not anesthesia. So patients do not go to sleep but they have a dramatic relief of pain,” says Dr. Fleishman.

No needles and no narcotics. A double win for moms who want to keep their wits about them: undergoing labor without a hard time for them or their baby.

“As soon as you’re done breathing in the medication, it’s out of your system. There’s no effect on the baby,” says Lott.

Cheaper than an epidural, which Nancy used in previous births, Pronox consists of a portable machine and mask; nothing to get in the way of mom and baby.

“It was wonderful. It was a great experience I remember everything a lot better,” says Lott.

“It’s going to allow women to achieve that more natural-birth experience that they’re striving for,” says Dr. Fleishman.

Laughing gas is providing a new option and happy ending to labor and delivery.

Lee Memorial Health System in Fort Myers, FL is the largest network of medical care facilities in Southwest Florida and is highly respected for its expertise, innovation and quality of care. For nearly a century, we’ve been providing our community with everything from primary care treatment to highly specialized care services and robotic assisted surgeries.