Hi Paivi,
I realised that you meant this message for me personally, however I
did want to let list readers know that my article on the hazards of
using nitrous oxide for midwives is in the March issue of MIDIRS. I
wrote this article using extensive research supplied by a midwife
colleague in the UK and it was primarily aimed at the British
midwives who frequently use Entonox in enclosed, unventilated labour
rooms, often for many hours. There are significant health effects for
midwives (and probably the women as well) and I have written these up
in the article.
Nitrous oxide affects DNA synthesis and removes Vitamin B12 from the
body. That is probably the reason why miscarriage rates are high
amongst midwives - the embryo may be damaged by either of these
deficiencies and therefore not viable. It is recommended that
midwives planning a pregnancy have their B12 levels checked before
starting on a pregnancy and that they work in areas away from labour
wards during the pregnancy (and possibly breastfeeding). There are
other effects as well - chronic fatigue is also reported in midwives
(and again may be a problem postnatally for women exposed to nitrous
oxide for many hours during labour).
I don't know of any research that suggests a link between nitrous
oxide and Downs Syndrome.
As soon as I can get this article available, you'll all have the
references and full details.
Regards,
Andrea
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