Should Childbirth be a Laughing Matter

Abstract

The purpose of this Evidence Based Practice Brief is to compare the difference between the efficacy of nitrous oxide, an anesthetic analgesic gas, to an epidural, an injection of anesthesia into the epidural space of the spinal cord (Nursing Central, 2018). According to the Centers for Disease Control 2,703,504 vaginal deliveries occurred in the hospital setting in the year 2015; showing the emphasis of quality pain management to enhance the individual birthing experience (Martin, Hamilton, Osterman, Driscoll, & Matthews, 2017). The efficacies of an epidural versus nitrous oxide will be determined by the self reported vaginal birthing experience. These two distinct approaches for pain management are already established in European countries, and research and familiarity with nitrous oxide will offer more options in treatment for pain for women in the United States. These findings will be used to offer a better labor and delivery experience for the patients and will be used during the implementation phase of the nursing process.