Carbon monoxide testing midwife appointment

[Fraidwo1]

Hi, I was just wondering if anyone else was routinely tested for carbon monoxide in their midwife appointments?

I was tested every time I saw the midwife, despite being a non-smoker. I was accused of smoking once because my CM readings reached level 3. I have spoken to a few other mums in baby groups and some never got tested at all.

I thought nothing of it at the time (although I was offended when the midwife insisted either me or my partner had been smoking), but now I wonder why was I tested while other mum’s weren’t? I thought they did it as a safety precaution but now I’m wondering if it’s another way of just trying to catch people out for smoking. We’re considering having another baby, and I still don’t smoke so I might just refuse the test given how I was treated in the previous pregnancy? Apparently pollution can cause levels of 3 on the test too.

I've been tested at every appointment so far, 3 times currently. I hate it, I find it gives me a headache having to hold my breathe for so long 😂 I usually give readings of either 2 or 3, and midwife says that's normal?
I wasn't questioned on my first appointment as to whether I smoked, as I'd entered the room very out of breathe (I'd got lost, parked 10 mins away, was using my phone to try and find the place as well as asking passersby, I was wearing a cardi and scarf as it was March but it was a warm day) so needless to say I was a bit huffy when I got there. I said no i don't smoke, to then be asked, are you sure?!?
I found that wildly rude.

My partner however does vape and in the same room as me unfortunately.
I've told him this ends when baby is here and he agreed but I really do wish he'd understand the baby could still be affected, and he'd just vape outside now.
I spoke to the midwife about this at booking in appointment and she said she'd try and get more info on possible effects but as it's such a new thing still research is limited.

Anyway I assume I'll continue to be monitored, but perhaps that's because they know my partner vapes?

That was meant to day I was questioned on my first appointment, not wasn't

say🙈

Just don't do it if it's bothering you enough to start a whole thread about it.

'No thanks' will do.

I was tested at every booking appointment.

I'm 24 weeks and have been tested once at my quads blood test. The midwife said that they recommend pregnant women have the test at least twice. I never had it at all in my first pregnancy

Had it at booking appointment a few years ago. This time they weren't doing it due to covid.
You do have right to say no if you don't want to do it.

Tested twice with my first but when I was pregnant with my second they'd moved to testing every time. Seems an odd one to get het up about. Yes I assume it's partly to 'catch people out' who smoke, because people do lie and they're trying to keep babies healthy.

Yes I was tested every time. I am an ex smoker and had given up just before I found out I was pregnant - it was making me feel ill. The best early symptom ever!

At my first appointment with the midwife my levels were quite high, And she didn't believe I hadn't been smoking and referred me to the stop smoking service despite me protesting that I didn't need it. I was really upset at the time because I was proud about giving up after nearly 20 years and it was horrible to not be believed. Looking back I realise she was only doing what she thought best for my baby. But I wasn't so pragmatic at the time!

There are also Stop Smoking course uptake targets. Its been known for health professional to refer when its not actually needful or requested in order to meet the target. I know this from when I used to work in management and clinically in older persons care in the nhs

I've been tested at all but one of my midwife appointments. The second time I went, I scored a 4. I'd got the bus to the appointment and walked up a high street which was busy with traffic. The midwife said it was strange. On the times I've got there by car I blew a 0. I'm not a smoker and haven't smoked since 2007.

I wouldn't read too much into it. Carbon monoxide levels will vary considerably from one area to another and as long as you're not smoking and nobody is smoking in your home around a baby or during pregnancy I wouldn't give it another thought.

I was tested at the beginning scored 3 asked how I got there I had walked and hospital is on a busy main road, told pollution the likely cause, I had dropped to 2 by the end of the appointment, I was told I'd be tested again near the end but DS was six weeks early so that didn't happen

I’ve never heard of this test which feels strange as everybody seems to smoke around this area. I’m on my 3rd pregnancy. Very odd!

This must be something more recent as it was never a thing when I had my children (youngest is now mid 20s) and what's with the "accused of smoking"?
Everyone knows smoking is not advisable during pregnancy but its not actually illegal (yet)
Not condoning it in any way and I had the occasional fag while pregnant which made me feel yuk, but never any "accusations" from health professionals, just advice not to do it!!

I was only ever tested for carbon monoxide when I attended a consultant appointment at the hospital and was being checked over by the midwives beforehand. Can't remember what the results were. Must've been normal.

As you say pollution can cause high readings, and if you don't have one get a carbon monoxide detector for your home.

Had it done at booking appt, first pregnancy. Midwife said they picked up a few people who’d got faulty boilers at home and didn’t know - v useful given carbon monoxide poisoning can kill even healthy adults.

Sherlock Holmes would be proud

@Beachsidesunset sorry that should’ve been a reply to you!

^

@BlueBeeSpots I'm expecting my second baby and I've never heard of this test before either. They asked whether I smoked, I said no, that was it.

It's just blowing into a device for one breath, hardly an invasive test! The blood pressure check is more uncomfortable. I don't understand why people would decline it? I'd rather know if I had high carbon monoxide levels in my body as it could indicate a problem with my boiler at home or my car. And if my journey to the clinic means I'm breathing in a lot of pollution I'd want to know that too because it's harmful to me and my baby.

Not at all.

I had one at 8 and 36 weeks. Blew a 3 on the first one but I’d caught the tube to the hospital.

Can’t understand why anyone would be bothered by it, it’s not secret information that smoking vastly increases chances of still birth, pre term labour, restricted growth and SIDS.

Long time since last baby, but I would refuse this. I'm a lifelong non smoker and that information should be enough. Very intrusive.

It's not just about smoking though @cottagegardenflower , you can have a high reading if you live in an area with high levels of air pollution or have a problem with your car or boiler that means you are breathing in carbon monoxide. Not everyone has a carbon monoxide detector or regular boiler services.

It obviously depends on the midwife and the area but I'm also a life long nonsmoker and only had to do the test a couple of times. If I had a high reading my midwife said she would have asked about my boiler and car, not accused me of smoking.

It's up to you but I can't see why you'd refuse. It could save your life if it turns out there's something wrong with your boiler etc.