Evidence supporting the use of: Nitrous Oxide
For the health condition: Afterbirth Pain

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Nitrous oxide (N2O), commonly known as "laughing gas," has a well-established role as an analgesic and anxiolytic agent in obstetric care, particularly during labor and certain postpartum procedures. Afterbirth pain, also known as afterpains, refers to uterine cramps experienced postpartum as the uterus contracts back to its pre-pregnancy size. While nitrous oxide is not typically used specifically for routine afterbirth pain (which is usually managed with oral analgesics like NSAIDs), there is scientific evidence supporting its use for pain relief during other painful postpartum interventions, such as manual removal of the placenta and uterine exploration for retained products, both of which can provoke significant afterbirth pain. Several clinical studies and systematic reviews indicate that self-administered nitrous oxide provides moderate, rapid-onset analgesia with a favorable safety profile for both mother and infant. Nitrous oxide is not contraindicated in the postpartum period and may be offered when afterbirth pain is severe and not adequately controlled by standard oral analgesics, especially when immediate, short-duration relief is needed. A 2012 Cochrane Review and guidelines from obstetric societies acknowledge its efficacy in procedural pain, though not specifically for routine afterpains. Thus, its use in treating afterbirth pain is scientifically grounded but is not standard first-line therapy for typical afterpains. In summary, nitrous oxide has scientific validation for use in managing certain types of acute postpartum pain, particularly during procedures that can exacerbate afterbirth pain, but is not routinely used for general afterpain management.

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