Side Effects Of Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide has no smell and is not unpleasant to breathe. The mask may smell a little rubbery but this is not usually unpleasant. Some people have a 'phobia' for face masks and feel as though they are suffocating. (Such fears often go back to a previous unpleasant experience; for example, in the dentist's chair! ) If so, many people prefer to breathe through the mouth piece instead

Not everyone likes the effects of nitrous oxide. Some people feel that is makes them feels nauseated (although this occurs commonly in labour anyway). Others feel confused or disoriented, floating, or a bit drunk. These feelings are pleasant for some, but unpleasant for others. The important thing to remember is that all of these effects will quickly disappear once you stop using it. If they don't - then something else must be to blame, such as stress or fatigue

There is absolutely no risk of becoming dependent or addicted to nitrous oxide when using it during childbirth. If it is used in high concentrations for a very long time, nitrous oxide can depress the bone marrow and lead to temporary anaemia. For this to occur, the exposure period needs to be at least eight hours (and at concentrations sufficient to produce anaesthesia). There is no evidence that this complication has ever occurred -or even could occur - using nitrous oxide during childbirth.