TriStar StoneCrest Medical Center's labor and delivery program now offer nitrous oxide as an alternative to pain medication during delivery. 

Some women choose nitrous oxide gas instead of – or, in addition to – the more widely used epidural analgesia.

To further customize the birthing experience, laboring mothers self-administer the nitrous oxide through an on-demand flow delivery system that can be used in all stages of labor. The level of nitrous oxide delivered to the patient is a less concentrated mixture of 50% nitrous gas and 50% oxygen.

"Many of my patients have expressed interest in pain management alternatives to an epidural, such as nitrous oxide and aromatherapy," said Dr. Mistye Taylor, OB-GYN at TriStar StoneCrest Medical Center.  "Nitrous oxide presents a safe and effective means to make my patients as comfortable as possible while in labor." 

Nitrous oxide has been proven to serve as a safe alternative to intravenous pain medication and epidurals for managing pain during delivery. It is simple to administer and the medication is non-addictive and exits the patient's system quickly so as to not affect the mother's or child's health.

"It's definitely a patient satisfier," said Michelle Browning, Director of Maternity Services at TriStar StoneCrest. "The gift of childbirth is one of the most amazing moments in a woman's life, and we want to ensure we create the best possible birthing experience for both mom and baby." 

For more information about TriStar StoneCrest or a free physician referral, please call TriStar MedLine at 615.342.1919 or visit TriStarStoneCrest.com.