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Introduction and Aim
Nitrous oxide is commonly used by women in Australia to enhance comfort during labour
and birth. The evidence on the prevalence and usefulness of nitrous oxide during labour
and for obstetric procedural analgesia is limited. The aim of this study was to audit
the use of nitrous oxide (N2O) within a tertiary and secondary Australian maternity
unit and then explore women’s perspectives on its use.
Methods
In the first study phase, a prospective clinical audit was conducted between May 2021
and September 2021, collecting point of care data for n=183 cases. For the second
study phase, a survey was undertaken by consenting women who had used N2O, n=137.
Results
Multiparous women were more likely to indicate that N2O was useful for them during
labour compared with primiparous women (95% vs 80% CI 95% p=0.009). Women were more
likely to indicate that N2O was effective at point of care if they had higher concentrations
of N2O. In the postnatal survey, women indicated that N2O was easy to use, had minimal
side effects and facilitated their sense of control owing to the need for active maternal
inhalation. Women who were prepared for what to expect from N2O administration were
enthusiastic about its perceived effectiveness. Some reflected that they were unaware
of the anticipated effects of the drug, which impacted their willingness to persist
with its use.
Conclusion
This novel study provides the first ever benchmarking of nitrous oxide use in the
maternity setting in Australia. Consumer perspectives captured at both point of care
and in a postnatal survey add strength to these findings; which have utility for parent
education, midwifery education and provide a foundation for further research into
the use of nitrous oxide in maternity care globally.
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Copyright
© 2022 Published by Elsevier Inc.
