Effects of Continuous vs. Intermittent Method of Entonox on Labor Progress

Abstract

Background:: Entonox (N2O2) for decreasing labor pain is generally used intermittently. As continuous method is easier to use, we compared two methods in point of labor progression. Objectives:: As entonox is used in numerous centers intermittently and it seems that continuous method has benefits such as more analgesic effect and easier usage, we decided to compare the effects of two methods on labor progress. Patients and Methods:: This randomized clinical trial was performed in Mobini Hospital, Sabzevar, Iran. One hundred admitted women for vaginal delivery were included in this study. Fitted patients were randomly divided into equal groups. Fifty parturients used it intermittently and 50 persons used it continuously. Then labor progression, maternal and fetal conditions and satisfaction were registered and compared in two groups. Statistical analyses were performed by SPSS-17 software, t-test and χ2 test. Results:: The duration of three stages of labor was not different significantly. The mothers were more satisfied by continuous method meaningfully (P < 0.0001). Conclusions:: Our study showed continuous method had no adverse effects on labor progression and the satisfaction rate was more compared with intermittent method.