Does CO still pass through the placenta?

Since CO binds irreversibly with hemoglobin, is there still free CO in the mother’s blood?

Asker: Kristen, 43 years old

Answer

Best,

CO does pass through the placenta and can cause oxygen problems in the baby.

Not all CO will be bound in the mother’s blood, so some of it will reach the fetus. The fetus is more sensitive to CO than the mother and non-toxic levels in the mother can be toxic to the baby.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is usually a good treatment for a pregnant woman, but a rapid delivery (if the duration of the pregnancy allows) is also an option.

Kind regards,

Does CO still pass through the placenta?

Answered by

Dr Jasper Verguts

Gynecology Obstetrics

Catholic University of Leuven
Old Market 13 3000 Leuven
https://www.kuleuven.be/

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