Entonox: Entonox is more commonly known as “gas and air” and is one of the forms of pain relief with the least side effects but also with the lowest level of pain relief. It is a 50/50 mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide. It is inhaled through a tube which you put to your mouth whenever you want some.

Entonox does not so much stop the pain as it does change your perception of both pain and time. It is similar to being slightly drunk. Most hospitals will let dad have a try too! You begin to inhale as you feel a contraction start then take a break between contractions. You are often asked to stop when you begin the pushing stage of labour as it can slow down your reactions and sense of urgency which in turn means that you aren’t pushing hard enough.

Pros: You are in control, you can stop it as quickly as you want, it passes through your system very quickly, it contains oxygen which is good for you and baby, you do not block out the feeling of the contractions, it can be used for home births, hospital births and water births

Cons: It is the least strong pain relief, it can make you thirsty, it can make you feel sick, it is not ideal for people who do not like the spaced out feeling of being drunk