Why new mums may have to give birth without the aid of gas and air

WOMen are being left in agony during childbirth as the use of gas and air is suspended in some hospitals over concerns for maternity staff.

Gas and air – a mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide – is the most widely used method of pain relief for women during labour, with a survey last year showing more than three-quarters of mothersto-be opted to use it.

But several nHS trusts have recently suspended its use over fears of staff being exposed to harmful levels of it, with the level at one hospital – Watford General – found to be up to 50 times higher than the workplace exposure limit during peak periods.

another hospital, the Princess alexandra in Harlow, essex, banned gas and air last month after finding higher levels than usual in its rooms.

‘Poor ventilation in delivery rooms’

It now has three machines that safely ‘scavenge’ nitrous oxides from the air, but there are not enough devices to cover every birthing room. It is seeking a permanent solution within the next few weeks.

norfolk and norwich University Hospital suspended the use of gas and air in some rooms after air quality tests this month. The trust, which may provide staff with monitors to wear to record their exposure levels, has ordered emergency works.

and on december 6, Ipswich Hospital in Suffolk did the same while new ventilation units were fitted in its delivery suite – reintroducing gas and air only on February 3.

There is no risk from short-term use of nitrous oxide for women, their birthing partner or babies.

But experts warn long-term exposure to nitrous oxide for midwives can lead to vitamin B12 deficiency, which can result in anaemia.

Mid and South essex nHS Foundation Trust apologised to maternity staff at Basildon University Hospital, who were not informed of the high nitrous oxide levels for more than a year. Some staff are considering legal action after the trust reinstated use of the gas, which had been stopped in december. It was suspended again on January 28.

dr Suzanne Tyler, from the Royal College of Midwives, said: ‘Too many of the buildings that house maternity services are simply not fit for purpose. This issue has arisen because of poor ventilation in delivery suites and labour wards, but this is just the tip of the iceberg.’ Speaking for Watford General Hospital, chief nurse Tracey Carter said: ‘The infrastructure of our estate means we cannot put a mechanical ventilation system in place but we have installed machines which effectively remove waste anaesthetic gas from delivery rooms.’

a spokesman for nHS england said: ‘nHS england has been working with the trusts where gas and air supplies have been affected due to differing and localised issues.

‘This is not a widespread issue and patients should continue to access services as normal.’