You probably picture someone laughing uncontrollably when you think of laughing gas. Laughing gas, or nitrous oxide, is making a comeback in recent years to relieve labor pain for expecting mothers. There are many myths about the option, although it is safe for most women.

Here are five of the most frequently asked questions about using nitrous oxide to alleviate labor pain and provided detailed answers below.

1. Why are so many pregnant women today choosing to use laughing gas to ease the discomfort of labor?

There should be more options for women to alleviate pain during labor. The fact that the patient can give nitrous oxide makes them feel more in charge of their pain management. Using nitrous oxide during labor does not reduce mobility, slow the process, or pose severe risks to the mother or baby. It starts working quickly after inhalation and leaves the body once use is stopped. While nitrous oxide for sale won’t completely take the edge off of things, it can help make things more tolerable. Women who experience anxiety or prefer the freedom of movement during labor may benefit from this method.

2. Does the use of laughing gas result in uncontrollable giggling?

Although its name implies otherwise, laughing gas does not cause excessive giggling. Because it slows down the nervous system, the gas makes you feel more relaxed and free. Also, it has the potential to induce feelings of contentment or even joy. Though this mix may cause mild giddiness, it usually does not result in fits of uncontrollable laughter. The drowsiness or nausea accompanying nitrous oxide use typically dissipates after a few minutes.

3. Why is laughing gas preferable to other forms of pain medication?

Because of its low cost and lack of side effects on the infant, laughing gas is a popular choice for pain relief. The user can walk around freely while giving birth, and the device can be used continuously. In comparison to an epidural, laughing gas is much less invasive. Stopping nitrous oxide administration is an option if you try something else for pain relief. You can still breastfeed your baby if you use laughing gas during labor.

4. Who can benefit from using laughing gas?

If anxiety is a problem for you, try laughing gas. It could help you if you’ve been diagnosed with anxiety, have trouble relaxing, are afraid of needles or hospitals, or have trouble letting go of tension. It’s also something to think about if you’d prefer to avoid epidural and narcotic pain medication or if it’s too soon or too late for an epidural.

5. How is the laughing gas given to the patient?

Laughing gas is administered by putting on a small mask and inhaling the gas through your mouth. Within a minute, you’ll feel the effects. As soon as the mask is removed, the nitrous oxide stops having any effect. While some women find that breathing in nitrous oxide during contractions helps them cope, others find that it helps them unwind in the time between contractions. Learn how to use it from your healthcare team.

In conclusion, nitrous oxide is a good choice if you want a pain reliever that won’t cause any harm but will still work. You can select the most suitable method of pain relief for your labor and delivery if you are well informed about the various options available.

Stages of Probate

When somebody passes away, it’s usually necessary to obtain the court’s permission to carry out the wishes stated in their Will. If there is no Will and the estate is over a certain size, permission is still required with a Grant of Letters of Administration.

Depending on the estate, Probate can prove complex, with several stages that need to be completed before wealth can be distributed to the beneficiaries. Due to its time consuming and often complicated nature, many people choose to seek the help of a solicitor or Kent accountant for Probate services when it comes to obtaining Probate and managing the estate.

Let’s take a look at the different stages now.

1. Contacting asset holders

This stage is among the most time consuming of the whole process, and involves identifying and contacting all asset holders, from banks and building societies to pension providers and utilities companies. A valuation of any assets and debts must be conducted to calculate the value of the estate for tax purposes.

2. Applying for Probate

Now comes the Probate application. This may be for a Grant of Probate (when there is a Will) or a Grant of Letters of Administration (when there is no Will). The relevant inheritance tax form must also be supplied with the application, and any inheritance tax that is due must be paid by six months at the latest after the person has died.

3. Applying for funds

Once Probate has been granted, a copy of the document must be sent to all asset holders in order for them to release funds. It is also good practice to place a statutory advertisement in the London Gazette so that creditors and/or beneficiaries can come forward to claim anything that may be owed. The claim must be made two months after the date on which the advertisement is published.

4. Debt payment

Before the estate is distributed, the following debts must be settled:

• Funeral and estate administration fees
• Tax
• Utility bills, care accounts, credit card debts etc
• Benefit overpayments if applicable

5. Distributing the estate

The estate can now be distributed according to the deceased’s final wishes. After this, the final accounts will be prepared. These show how money and other assets were distributed, and all beneficiaries receive a copy. The records should be maintained in a safe place, as they can be requested by HMRC for up to 20 years after the death.

Many accountants are now able to offer Probate services, and this is particularly helpful if the decedent used an accountant during their lifetime. It can make the process of contacting asset holders and completing the Probate application much easier and less time consuming.

If you are acting as an executor without professional help, and would like advice on how to value an estate and calculate inheritance tax, speak to reputable Kent tax advisors for assistance.