Nitrous Oxide for the Management of Labor Analgesia.

This article reviews nitrous oxide and explores current practice standards for use of nitrous oxide in managing labor analgesia. Inhaled nitrous oxide is used in the labor process for analgesia as well as for anxiolysis in many countries but is rarely offered in the United States. Because of its minimal invasiveness, highsafety index, effectiveness, and relatively low cost, it is reemerging as a consideration for use during labor and is worthy of further research.