Nitrous Oxide
Feel More Comfortable During Your Procedure
Anxiety or discomfort should not prevent you from getting the care you need. Empowered Midwifery now offers nitrous oxide as a fast-acting option to help you feel calmer and more comfortable during certain in-office procedures.
What Is Nitrous Oxide?
Nitrous oxide—sometimes called “laughing gas”—is a colorless gas mixed with oxygen and inhaled through a small mask. It can help reduce anxiety and make certain procedures more comfortable without putting you to sleep.
The effects usually begin within a few minutes. You will remain awake, responsive, and able to communicate with our staff throughout your procedure.
Why Choose Empowered Midwifery for Nitrous Oxide?
At Empowered Midwifery, we want you to feel informed, supported, and in control of your care. Nitrous oxide provides another option for managing anxiety and discomfort during certain in-office procedures.
You control when you inhale the gas through the mask, and our staff remains with you to monitor how you are feeling. Because it is fast-acting and wears off quickly, nitrous oxide can offer added comfort without a lengthy recovery period.
Who Can Use Nitrous Oxide?
Nitrous oxide may be a good option for patients who feel anxious about an appointment or want additional comfort during procedures such as IUD placement, biopsies, colposcopies, or pelvic exams.
It is safe for many patients, but it may not be appropriate for everyone. A nurse will review your health history, discuss any medications or medical conditions, and help determine whether nitrous oxide is right for you.
What to Expect
When it is time for your procedure, you will place a small mask over your nose and mouth and breathe normally. You may begin to feel calmer, lighter, or more relaxed after a few breaths.
You will remain awake and able to communicate throughout your visit. When you no longer need the nitrous oxide, you will remove the mask and breathe normally. The effects generally begin to fade within several minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Nitrous oxide is not general anesthesia. You will remain awake, responsive, and able to communicate with our staff throughout your procedure.
Nitrous oxide is intended to reduce anxiety and make discomfort easier to manage, but it may not remove all pain. A nurse can discuss whether nitrous oxide should be used alone or alongside another comfort measure.
The effects generally begin after several breaths and may be noticeable within a few minutes. Because nitrous oxide is fast-acting, its effects also begin to fade shortly after you stop using the mask.
Side effects are generally temporary but may include dizziness, light-headedness, nausea, headache, or a change in your voice. Tell your midwife immediately if you feel uncomfortable or experience an unexpected reaction.
Nitrous oxide usually leaves the body quickly. However, whether you may drive depends on how you feel, the type of procedure you received, any other medications used, and the practice’s discharge requirements. Please confirm transportation arrangements with Empowered Midwifery before your appointment.
A More Comfortable Approach to Care
If anxiety or concern about discomfort has made you hesitate to schedule a procedure, nitrous oxide may help. Contact Empowered Midwifery at 518-250-9195 to learn more, ask about pricing, or find out whether this option is right for you.
