Today I reluctantly went for my midwife booking appt, I arrived early and didn’t want to go Into the maternity unit so stood outside (now wishing I hadn’t) by a lot of building work going on and cars waiting to collect people.
When I was then called in the midwife asked questions and then got me to do a carbon monoxide test - it came back as 6 (ideally should be between 0-3) and I feel devastated. Neither me or hubby smoke but she said it could be due to standing around the fumes outside.
She didn’t seem concerned and said she’d had a lady who blew 53!! But I’m just worrying that it could affect the baby and now if the worst happens I feel like it’s something I could potentially blame on myself.
Has anyone had any experience with this?
I just feel like there’s always something that puts extra pressure on this journey.
Hope everyone is doing well 🧡
Written by
E_05
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That's a strange thing to do, not to mention another thing to add to the worry... Why do it if then she's going to say it's fine, god these things annoy me.... !! Try not to worry though, I used to live in a very polluted place, where carbon monoxide levels are ridiculous and worst in Europe as well as levels going 100x above the safe limit and I had my daughter and she's perfectly fine, I'm sure the placenta will be filtering out all the nasty stuff ♥️♥️♥️xxxxxxxxxxxx
Thank you, that’s re assuring to know. I did think the same, then she said unless the machines faulty but it seems to of been okay this morning which made me more anxious. Trying to put it out of my head although easier said than done xx
Thank you, I’ve avoided any second hand smoke where possible to. She did say it can be related to car fumes so who knows just frustrating it’s another worry xx
I wouldn’t worry about this one off, it’s still a very low level.
My midwife didn’t do this test! I did wonder as when I was pregnant first time in 2015 it was done then, but I didn’t question it not being done this time as thought process had just changed.
Why were you reluctant for the appointment hon? Are you particularly anxious about it? x
Thank you, she didn’t seem to bothered I think it’s just another thing for my brain to stress about.
I just didn’t really want to go through all the paper work to have to tell her our babies died again - it’s happened with my previous 2 pregnancies and it’s just anxiety related to that. I’ve got to see a new consultant next week so had to have the appt to have bloods done.
Yes that part is hard, I found the same. This is your time my lovely, try to enjoy all the little milestones. And don’t worry the midwife team will look after you; let them tell you if there’s anything to be concerned about - that’s what I’m learning to do 😘 xx
Does she want u to have it checked again? Could I get it checked at the gp? My midwife told me that if the results come back high, check your boiler at home. Might be worth considering ? Peace of mind. Good luck xx
Nope she didn’t seem overly bothered, it’s more me than feels anxious. She said she’d check it when I see her again at 16 weeks. Thank you, she did mention about the boiler actually xx
With my 3rd pregnancy I didn’t have this test, but my 4th because my partner had started smoking again she did the test it was a 2 he doesn’t smoke in the house I haven’t even seen him smoke since he started again. I just think it’s annoying I’m going to refuse next time also they ask stupid questions like we’re u expelled from school what does that have to do with anything, also have you been feeling sad etc well yeah just had 2 miscarriages I’m emotionally broken! Tick that box!
Yes you’re so right - she said to me about feeling depressed or anxious and I said the same well I’m extremely anxious after 2 mmc. It’s so frustrating x
Never heard of anything like this before. Surely lots of women inadvertently put themselves in these situations. Sounds like worrying you unnecessarily to me. Don’t be hard on yourself. You would never do anything intentional to harm your baby xx
Thank you, that’s very true actually I didn’t think about it that way. Hope you’re doing okay xx
Not sure if it would help but you can pick up a carbon monoxide monitor for your house to check and hopefully put your mind at rest. Then just try as best as your can to avoid external risks. x
Hi E _05 routine carbon monoxide (CO) testing is relatively new. Sometimes a non-smoker can blow higher than a 3. I advice my non-smoking women who blow over a 3 to have their boiler and car omissions checked. I wouldn't stress it was just over the normal. Over 3 suggests some exposure to CO e.g second hand smoke or car fumes. We only worry and refer women for extra growth scans if they blow >11. I highly suspect it was due to a few car fumes. It is only damaging to baby if exposure is prolonged, so that means smoking. Just get your boiler tested to be on the safe side and If it would provide you with re-assurance ask your midwife to see you before 16 weeks so you can blow again and I'm sure it will be normal. We all get some exposure occasionally to CO. Smoking is what the real issue is and you don't smoke so both you and baby are well
Thank you, that’s really re assuring to know. We’ve had the boiler checked and I’ve got a carbon monoxide monitor for the house just for peace of mind. Hope you’re doing okay x
Try not to worry easier said then done I was the same as you and got six too me or my partner don't smoke but maybe it was because I got a bus to the clinic who knows but I now have a healthy 6 month old baby girl xxx
Thank you so much, hope you and your baby girl are doing well xx
Hey lovely. I posted aboit this in the nct group early in my pregnancy - I had a reading of 10! I'm a non smoker but I'd walked along a heavily polluted road and also took in a mouthful of someone's smoke just before my appt. Grrrrrr. I worried about it loads but I asked them to check it again on my next visit and it was 0. I'd avoided the same road and was wary of smokers. It's so hard but try not to worry - unfortunately we can't avoid everything. Sometimes I wish I could just live in a forest on my own for 9 months! I'm from London originally and I think of all those pregnant ladies walking around London in the pollution and their babies are ok. The worry is constant so I do get it - I'm struggling with anxiety at the moment too xx
Thank you, I said that to my hubby I wish I could just sleep through these next 9 months the worrying never ends. Sorry to hear you’re struggling, are you getting good support from the hospital to help re assure you? Xx
I know I'm being largely irrational but I'm seeing the midwife today so will speak to her about my worries. Hopefully I'll get some reassurance and will be able to relax again but, like you say, the worry never ends.
Try not to worry about the carbon monoxide, it is unavoidable unfortunately and it's not something you are in control of (unless you sleep for the next 7 months!). Definitely ask them to keep an eye on it though, you'll probably find it is lower next time as you'll be doing what you can to avoid heavily polluted areas! Xx
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