How to Determine if a Pregnant Woman Needs Oxygen Therapy
Disease description:
During my prenatal checkup, the doctor asked me to undergo fetal heart rate monitoring. Later, they told me that my fetus was experiencing hypoxia, so I was advised to receive oxygen therapy. I also noticed that many other pregnant women were prescribed oxygen therapy by their doctors. I became curious: how does a doctor determine whether a pregnant woman needs oxygen supplementation?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhao Xiaodong
Whether a pregnant woman requires oxygen therapy is typically considered in the following situations:
1. Hypoxemia: When a pregnant woman's blood oxygen level falls below the normal range, such as when pulse oximetry (SpO₂) is less than 95%, doctors may recommend oxygen therapy to increase blood oxygen levels.
2. Pregnancy-related complications: Conditions such as severe anemia, heart disease, or lung diseases (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or asthma) may necessitate oxygen therapy to support bodily functions.
3. Fetal distress: If fetal heart rate monitoring indicates fetal hypoxia within the uterus, oxygen may be administered briefly to improve the oxygen supply to the fetus.
4. Preterm labor or high altitude: Pregnant women living or traveling at high altitudes may require oxygen therapy due to the low oxygen environment.
5. Acute complications: In cases of serious complications such as preeclampsia or amniotic fluid embolism, oxygen therapy may be part of emergency supportive care.
The decision to provide oxygen therapy will be based on the pregnant woman's specific symptoms, clinical signs, and diagnostic findings. Close monitoring will be conducted to ensure the safety of both the mother and the fetus.
