A safe way to create a little breathing space
Nitrous oxide is a mild, safe form of pain relief that works quickly and also leaves your body quickly. At Bevalcentrum Amsterdam, we use medical nitrous oxide (sometimes informally called ‘laughing gas’) — a carefully composed and controlled mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide that is specifically intended for use during labour.
You inhale it yourself through a mask, exactly at the moments when you need it. Within a few breaths, you will notice your muscles relaxing and that you can cope better with the intensity of the contractions. It may make you feel a little light-headed and helps release tension, while you remain fully conscious and in control of what is happening.
Bevalcentrum Amsterdam is one of the few places in the Netherlands where giving birth with medical nitrous oxide is possible. This makes it a particularly valuable option for women who wish to give birth naturally, but are also open to a gentle, well-regulated form of pain relief.
Nitrous oxide can be combined well with other natural forms of support, such as water birth*, aromatherapy or breathing techniques.
(*For safety reasons, nitrous oxide cannot be administered at the same time if you are in the pool.)
Click here for frequently asked questions about nitrous oxide
“Most important is that you feel safe — in your own time, in your own way.”
