Gas & Air while pushing?

[dan-o]

2nd time round I could feel I was getting close, so asked for the gas and air, had DS2 a few minutes later. I'd have done it without easily, but I thought it would take the edge off the ring of fire I was expecting.. Which I didn't get anyway lol!!
If I was at home I definitely wouldn't bother with it, but if you're in hospital it seems a waste not too

My first labour I had gas from about 5cm, which I'd never do again! My midwife wasn't as good with my first though, and I wasn't at all relaxed!

 

[Teri7489]

I threw mines away when pushing. My epidural failed so could feel everything but the pain changed when pushing. I was too busy trying to get baby out that I didn't actually need it at the time. Even when I got 6 local anaesthetic injections and forcep assistance. Xxx

 

[Leliana]

I used mine throughout the whole labour and during the stitching part afterwards. It didn't make me lose concentration and it definitely took the edge off. I don't think I used it when properly 'pushing' though - I'd suck suck suck as the contraction reached its peak and then my body would take over and I'd push and make that really embarrassing 'mooing' sound lol!!

 

[MrsButterfly]

I was offered to keep mine during pushing but I couldn't really figure out pushing and breathing it so gave up! I didn't find it had made a huge difference pain wise anyway.

 

[Misscalais]

I was allowd it but didnt have it while pushing, chucked it at my husband the 2nd time when he tried to put the mouth piece in my mouth it would be too hard to concentrate pushing and trying to suck the gas down I think. So I did the pushing stage both times totally natural.
I'm in Australia though and not sure what the rules are in other places and it even varries in hospital to hospital. Your best bet is to ask