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On the latest episode of the Healthful Woman podcast, Dr. Nathan Fox answers listeners’ questions in the eighth installment of the Mailbag series, What Does the Fox Say? The Healthful Woman podcast episode covers a variety of topics in women’s health, including the use of nitrous oxide in labor and delivery, the accuracy of non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), fallopian tube removal for permanent sterilization, and how long to wait before conceiving after a C-section.

Nitrous Oxide in Labor and Delivery

One of the key topics discussed in this episode is the use of nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, for pain relief during labor and delivery. Dr. Fox explains the benefits of nitrous oxide, including its safety, self-administration, and rapid wear-off time. Dr. Fox states, “It’s a really good option if someone wants some pain relief in labor but maybe not as much that will be provided by an epidural, or they want it but want to have their mobility, which an epidural doesn’t really provide.” Although it is not as effective as an epidural, it offers an alternative for those seeking a milder approach to pain management. For many women, labor can be a scary time, and having mild medication options like nitrous oxide can help alleviate some of the anxiety and fear associated with childbirth.

NIPT and False Positives

Another listener asked about the possibility of receiving a positive result for monosomy X on a NIPT test, only to later discover that the baby and placenta are both normal. Dr. Fox explained that while NIPT tests are highly accurate, they are not always right. Since the test analyzes fetal DNA from the placenta, discrepancies can occur, leading to false positives. In some cases, the placenta may have genetic differences that do not reflect the baby’s actual DNA. Dr. Fox reassures listeners that further diagnostic testing and ultrasounds can clarify results and help expectant parents make informed decisions.

Fallopian Tube Removal and Pregnancy Risks

A common question among listeners involves permanent sterilization via fallopian tube removal and its impact on future pregnancies. Dr. Fox confirms that once the fallopian tubes are completely removed, they do not regenerate, making pregnancy highly unlikely. However, sterilization procedures that only involve tying or clipping the tubes have a small failure rate. Additionally, recent studies suggest that full removal of the tubes may reduce the risk of ovarian cancer, making it a preferred choice for some women considering permanent birth control.

Conceiving After a C-Section

One of the most debated topics in obstetrics is how long a woman should wait before conceiving after a C-section. Dr. Fox explains that while recommendations and research on the topic can vary, most experts advise waiting at least six months for the uterine scar to heal properly. For those considering a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC), a longer wait time may further reduce the risk of uterine rupture. Dr. Fox states, “ I tell people at least six months and, if they’re trying for a VBAC, maybe they wanna wait a little bit longer, like, you know, six months to a year or something like that. But it’s hard to be very precise.” However, each woman’s circumstances should be evaluated individually during pregnancy care appointments.

Learn More

Listen to the full Healthful Woman podcast episode today to learn more. Other episodes of the Healthful Woman podcast cover topics with helpful information on women’s health, pregnancy, fertility, gynecology, mental health, general health, overall wellness, high-risk pregnancy, and medical advancements. Contact Maternal Fetal Medicine Associates for personalized medical advice by completing the online contact form.

Maternal Fetal Medicine blogs are intended for educational purposes only and do not replace certified professional care. Medical conditions vary and change frequently. Please ask your doctor any questions you may have regarding your condition to receive a proper diagnosis or risk analysis. Thank you!