Guidance

Carbon monoxide (CO): antenatal checks algorithm for midwives

An algorithm for midwives to help diagnose carbon monoxide poisoning in pregnant women and offer advice for women in the event of exposure.

• From: UK Health Security Agency
• Published: 11 November 2014
• Last updated: 17 November 2025 — See all updates

Documents

Carbon monoxide (CO) antenatal checks algorithm

HTML

Carbon monoxide (CO) antenatal checks algorithm: summary

HTML

Carbon monoxide (CO) antenatal checks algorithm (print version)

PDF, 441 KB, 12 pages

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Carbon monoxide (CO) antenatal checks algorithm: summary (print version)

PDF, 141 KB, 2 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

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Details

This flowchart can help midwives identify pregnant women who might be exposed to carbon monoxide (CO) from sources other than products containing tobacco. As well as aiding identification of such women, it includes advice and key telephone numbers for services providing further advice and practical assistance.

Read the joint letter on carbon monoxide from the Chief Medical Officer, Chief Nursing Officer and Director of Nursing at the Department of Health and Public Health England.

Published 11 November 2014

Last updated 17 November 2025 + show all updates

1. 17 November 2025

   Added updated algorithm and summary.

2. 18 December 2015

   Updated leaflet.

3. 11 November 2014

   First published.