carbon monoxide
an odourless and colourless gas that is highly dangerous when inhaled, leading to carbon monoxide poisoning. In the BLOOD it has a very great affinity for oxygen and converts HAEMOGLOBIN into carboxyhaemoglobin. The tissues of the body are quickly deprived of oxygen because there is no free haemoglobin left to pick it up in the lungs. Carbon monoxide is present in coal gas fumes and vehicle exhaust emissions. The symptoms of poisoning include giddiness, flushing of the skin (because of carboxyhaemoglobin in the blood, which is bright red), nausea, headache, raised respiratory and pulse rate and eventual coma, respiratory failure and death. An affected person must be taken into the fresh air and given oxygen and artifical respiration if required.
This is general information, not medical advice. Pregnancy and breastfeeding decisions should always be made with your healthcare provider.
Can taking carbon monoxide affect fertility or make it harder to get pregnant?
Studies have not been done to see if carbon monoxide exposure can make it harder to get pregnant. Because this question has not been well studied, it is best to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.
Does taking carbon monoxide increase the risk of miscarriage?
Miscarriage can occur in any pregnancy for many reasons. The fact sheet notes that carbon monoxide might be linked to a higher chance of miscarriage, and that effects can depend on the timing in pregnancy and the amount of exposure. Anyone with concerns about a possible exposure should speak with their healthcare provider.
Does taking carbon monoxide increase the risk of birth defects?
The fact sheet states that there are reports of babies being born with birth defects after carbon monoxide exposure in pregnancy, but most pregnancies with exposure do not have birth defects, and no specific pattern of birth defects has been linked to carbon monoxide poisoning. The main concerns described are pregnancy loss and possible harm to fetal brain development. Concerns about a specific exposure should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Can taking carbon monoxide during pregnancy cause other pregnancy-related complications?
Some studies suggest that carbon monoxide exposure in pregnancy can increase the chance of preterm delivery (birth before week 37), low birth weight (under about 2500 grams), and stillbirth, according to the fact sheet. There are also reports of healthy outcomes after pregnancies with carbon monoxide poisoning. A healthcare provider can help interpret what a specific exposure might mean.
Can taking carbon monoxide during pregnancy affect the child's brain development, learning, or behavior?
The fact sheet indicates that carbon monoxide exposure during pregnancy might affect fetal brain development, which could increase the chance of learning or behavior problems later in life. Healthy outcomes have also been reported, and effects can depend on the timing and amount of exposure. Anyone concerned about an exposure should talk with their healthcare provider.
Is it safe to breastfeed while taking carbon monoxide?
The fact sheet notes that there are no human studies looking at carbon monoxide exposure during breastfeeding, though absorption of carbon monoxide from swallowing breastmilk is thought to be unlikely. If carbon monoxide poisoning occurs, the fact sheet recommends talking to a healthcare provider about breastfeeding and any other related questions.
Source: National Library of Medicine
carbon-monoxide