Maternity gas and air update
Thursday 6 April 2023
Latest update relating to gas and air within our maternity department - a message from Joanna Keable, interim director of midwifery, at The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust
“Following the temporary suspension of the use of gas and air across our Maternity Unit, we are pleased to update that we can now offer gas and air in some of the birthing rooms on our Labour Ward and in our Birth Centre as well.
“We now have six gas and air kits in place for women and pregnant people to use. We would like as many people as possible to be able to choose gas and air during their labour, however as we currently have a limited number of machines, we may not be able to offer gas and air to everyone who would like to use it at this time. We will review and prioritise this on a case-by-case basis.
“There continues to be a range of other pain relief options that our maternity and medical team are discussing with women and pregnant people on an individual basis.
“We are now preparing the remaining birthing spaces for the fitting of permanent extraction/gas and air kits. This means that we will soon be able to support us to be able to offer gas and air in all areas of our Maternity Unit..
“Please be reassured that there is no risk to mothers, birthing people, their partners and babies. The use of gas and air was temporarily suspended to protect our midwifery and medical teams from prolonged exposure to nitrous oxide in the atmosphere arising from the patient use of gas and air.
“Thank you to all of the women and families who use our services and to our maternity and medical team for your understanding and support.”
What is gas and air?
Gas and air is a colourless, odourless gas that is usually made up of half nitrous oxide and half oxygen. Nitrous oxide is an inhaled gas used as a pain medication and together with other medications for anaesthesia. Common uses include during childbirth, following trauma, and as part of end-of-life care. The onset of the effect of using gas and air is typically within half a minute and the effect lasts for about a minute.
Why did you make the decision to temporarily suspend the use of gas and air?
In light of concerns raised at other NHS hospitals, we undertook thorough testing of the atmosphere in our maternity unit with regard to nitrous oxide levels arising from the patient use of gas and air. After finding high levels of residual gas and air in the atmosphere, we made the decision to suspend the use of gas and air on 19 January to protect our midwifery and medical team, who are likely to be exposed to high levels of gas and air for a prolonged period of time.
What is the risk to hospital staff?
Gas and air is used frequently in maternity wards to provide pain relief during labour. There is limited research on the occupational exposure to gas and air, and the long-term health risks this may pose. We have supported our people together with our staff health and wellbeing (SHaW) team.
What is the risk to women, birthing people and their visitors?
None. The exposure is relatively short-term and its effects pass quickly.
What other pain relief is available?
There are a full range of other pain relief options that our team are discussing with women and pregnant people on an individual basis.
These include using birthing pools, massage and birthing balls. We can offer advice on hypnobirthing, and we provide a relaxed, calm environment in the Birth Centre and Labour Ward. We also have TENS machines that are available for the earlier stages of labour.
Additionally, there are medications including paracetamol, codeine, morphine, pethidine, epidurals (which are available throughout labour) and local anaesthetic. Please speak to our maternity team for more information.
Can I continue to have gas and air during a home birth?
Our home birth service remains able to provide gas and air to women and people at their homes.
Are you providing extra anaesthetists to give epidurals as an alternative to gas and air?
Labour Ward and obstetric anaesthetics is a priority and we have the staff and medication required to provide epidurals to women and people who choose this option.
How is it decided who can use gas and air?
Currently, we have four rooms with gas and air on the Labour Ward and two in the Birth Centre. We will review and prioritise your needs to offer gas and air on a case by case basis.
Is the Birth Centre currently open?
Yes – this service is available for women and birthing people.
Maternity Voices Partnership (MVP)
We work collaboratively with the Maternity Voices Partnership (MVP) and Chloe and Verity are here to support you – you can contact them at mvpwestessex@gmail.com
Maternity helpline
Please contact our maternity helpline on:
07932 524480 (open from 10am – 3pm)
if you would like to discuss any questions or queries about gas and air with the maternity team, or you can contact your midwife, whose details are on the front of your antenatal pack.