SARATOGA SPRINGS – Saratoga Hospital is the first in the Capital Region to offer nitrous oxide—commonly known as laughing gas—to women to help manage pain during childbirth. The hospital began offering the low-risk pain relief option this month.
Nitrous oxide has long been used in childbirth in other countries and is becoming increasingly popular in the United States. Saratoga Hospital joins more than 200 facilities nationwide—including Massachusetts General and Brigham and Women’s hospitals in Boston, Orange Regional Medical Center in Middletown, New York, and Health Alliance of the Hudson Valley—in providing this option.
Nitrous oxide offers a number of advantages, especially for women who prefer a more natural childbirth experience. The gas is generally safe for mother and baby.