Women and the hazardous environment: when the pregnant patient requires hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Women are now being exposed in increasing numbers to environmental hazards. Normal operations in that environment plus accidents or training procedures may result in conditions such as decompression sickness, air embolus, hyperoxia, or carbon monoxide poisoning occurring in a woman who also happens to be pregnant. This article examines the animal data and human experience in these conditions in both early and late gestation. The risk of these conditions to the mother and fetus is assessed compared to the problems associated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) in pregnancy. Suggestions are made regarding the appropriate use of HBO therapy in pregnancy. Further medical investigation is requested.