Emerson Hospital recently announced that it is now offering nitrous oxide as a pain relief option for women in labor within Westford area.
Commonly known as “laughing gas,” the substance has long been used elsewhere in the world, but Emerson has become one of the first in Massachusetts to give it to eligible women who are in labor.
Nitrous oxide used during labor is a mixture of 50 percent nitrous gas and 50 percent oxygen that is inhaled through a mask that a woman holds and self-administers prior to the start of a contraction.
“Women throughout many other areas of the world, including Canada, have been relying on nitrous oxide for years to help manage labor pain,” said Dr. Ingrid Balcomb, OB GYN with AFA OB/GYN. “Having worked in Canada and used Nitrous for many years I am particularly pleased that eligible patients at Emerson are now offered this option for pain relief.
According to Emerson, half of women using the substance called it helpful, although there are some women who are ineligible for nitrous oxide for various reasons.
Emerson Hospital has a location in Westford near the corner of Littleton and Nixon roads.
More information on Emerson Hospital is available at www.emersonhospital.org
