Nitrous oxide is now available to women in labor.

“The gas is safe to use and relatively simple to use, offering pain relief and decreased anxiety, among other benefits,” said C. Reed Nett, M.D., OB/GYN with Advocates for Women’s Health, a part of Norton Women’s Care. “The potential side effects of nitrous oxide can include dizziness, nausea and drowsiness, but there are no long-term side effects for the mother, baby or staff.”

A woman in labor choosing nitrous oxide has a nurse focused on her throughout labor and delivery.

“Other countries have been using nitrous oxide as an option for expectant mothers for more than 75 years with no ill effects,” Dr. Nett added.

The labor and delivery teams at Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital offers the use of nitrous oxide for laboring women. Women can discuss the option with an obstetrician or nurse midwife during prenatal visits.

To refer a patient to any Norton Women’s Care OB/GYN, fill out the online referral form, or call (502) 629-1234, option 3.

About Dr. Nett

C. Reed Nett, M.D., is an obstetrician/gynecologist with Advocates for Women’s Health, a Part of Norton Women’s Care. Dr. Nett earned her medical degree from the University of Louisville School of Medicine and completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Cincinnati in Ohio.

Dr. Nett is a member the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and has a special interest in patient education, in-office surgery for treatment of abnormal bleeding and elective sterilization, and natural childbirth in the safety of a hospital setting. Her mission is to provide a comfortable and inviting atmosphere in which to care for and educate patients.