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tinkerbell3229 · Dec 9, 2011, 06:57 AM

If a mothers blood oxygen level is low how does this affect my growing baby? I'm currently 91/2 weeks pregnant and sometimes when I check my levels they are at 85 sometimes 90. It never stays there very long but I'm worried as I've had 2 previous MC. I also have anxiety with heart palpitations and fast heart rate.

J_9 · Dec 9, 2011, 07:02 AM

Do you have any lung problems? How are you checking your blood oxygen levels?

If you answer these questions I might be able to help you more.

tinkerbell3229 · Dec 9, 2011, 07:09 AM

No lung problems that I know of and I've a pulse oximeter I bought from the pharmacy

J_9 · Dec 9, 2011, 07:14 AM

Originally Posted by tinkerbell3229

I've a pulse oximeter I bought from the pharmacy

I'm not sure how accurate that really is.

85% in a healthy person is VERY low and should be medically treated and managed. Most people without cardiac or pulmonary problems should have a pulse ox of 95% or higher on room air.

In the end, yes, your baby is affected by your oxygen levels.

May I ask, please, why you bought the pulse ox?

tinkerbell3229 · Dec 9, 2011, 07:21 AM

This is a long story but ill try ti keep it short. I've a history of high anxiety/stress now that I'm pregnant it is much worse because of worrying about baby. OB docs took me off cymbalta and I've been going through he** from withdraw. I was feeling short of breath, my heart was racing and pretty much didn't want to make a trip to the ER so just went and bought it. Im crazy I know, but with my last 2 MC ER docs weren't much help.

tinkerbell3229 · Dec 9, 2011, 07:26 AM

My blood oxygen level doesn't stay there for very long before climbing back up to normal ranges. Im just so worried about baby!

J_9 · Dec 9, 2011, 07:27 AM

Even with anxiety your blood oxygen levels shouldn't be so low. This is why I am questioning the accuracy of the pulse ox you bought.

I understood that the docs took you off your meds, but have they suggested anything that you can take while you are pregnant? Such as Celexa?

Fr_Chuck · Dec 9, 2011, 07:28 AM

I would go into your doctor and have the O2 level checked at the doctor. Some of the home meters are very poor at exact, but they give you good sign of changes, example if you go to the doctor and you check out 95 but your home machine is showing 90, you can tell if you go up or down but seldom a good exact measurement. I bought one because of breathing issues and that was how my doctor explained it to me, without all the big words he used.

Also you are correct, ER doctors are often much better at heart attacks or gun shots or knife wounds. For many medical issues you should be seeing your regular doctor.

tinkerbell3229 · Dec 9, 2011, 07:41 AM

I'm supposed to start Prozac but I guess with all the recent studies that have been done the OB doc would like me to try and stay off all anxiety meds for remainder of pregnancy. I agree I'm wondering how accurate a home meter is... I am scheduled to see my family doc today ill ask them to use theirs and sew what it says. Thank you

J_9 · Dec 9, 2011, 07:46 AM

With your anxiety, I would toss that home meter in the trash. It's only going to cause you more anxiety as it is not very accurate, obviously.

I have patients on Celexa who seem to do well during pregnancy. You may want to mention this one to your doctor.

tinkerbell3229 · Dec 9, 2011, 09:48 AM

Thank you for your help, you are right having the pulse oximeter doesn't help my anxiety at all. I will mention celexa to my dr. I did mention this at my family dr today and they used their meter o2 levels were 99%