Hyperbaric chamber therapy can be used to help with a variety of conditions. If you are wondering who can use hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), at Aalto Hyperbaric Medical Group, we can give you the answers you need. 

Hyperbaric Chamber Therapy and Pregnancy

If you are considering hyperbaric oxygen therapy while pregnant, here are some things you should know. Whether you are pregnant or not, HBOT is not for everyone. A study was done regarding pregnant patients and HBOT, and they concluded that HBOT should only be used in cases where the patient had suffered from carbon monoxide poisoning. No harmful effects were found on the patient or the fetus after120 mins in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber. 

Pregnant women should speak to their physician before starting hyperbaric oxygen therapy. HBOT is considered a drug by the FDA, so we will ask for a prescription whether or not you are pregnant. At Aalto Hyperbaric, our first priority is the safety of our patients. If you are looking to benefit from HBOT, consider getting treatment before or after pregnancy.

HBOT Post Pregnancy

Here are some benefits of HBOT patients may want to consider post-pregnancy:

Healing Wounds: If you have undergone a cesarean section or other types of wounds during the birth, you may want to consider HBOT for healing wounds. When you go through a hyperbaric oxygen therapy treatment, your body is flooded with 100% oxygen. This may increase circulation and oxygen. The increase of the oxygen in your red blood cells can send the proper nutrients to the areas that are in need of healing. 

Assists Post-Pregnancy Depression: Many people go through post-pregnancy depression. HBOT may be able to help alleviate some of the symptoms caused by the condition. HBOT may assist by increasing the oxygenation of blood and tissues. When these are increased, you may have enhanced neuronal functioning. The brain needs proper supplies of oxygen and nutrients to function properly. When it does not get the proper amount, it can create brainwave imbalances. Brainwave imbalances may be the reason for your post-pregnancy depression. 

When you are considering HBOT, speak with your physician to find out whether or not this treatment is right for you. 

Who Should Not Get HBOT? 

Here are some people that should avoid HBOT: 

• Those who have specific types of lung diseases. 
• Those who have had ear trauma or surgery. 
• Those who currently suffer from a fever or a cold. 
• Those who are pregnant and not suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning. 

Each situation looks different from the others and should be looked at to consider the overall health of the patient. 

Other Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber Treatments

There are several other conditions that HBOT may assist those with before and after pregnancy occurs. Here are some of those conditions: 

Physical Conditions: 

• Athletic Injuries
• Anti-Aging
• Cosmetic Surgery
• Anemia Issues
• Arthritis
• Psoriasis
• Osteomyelitis
• Diabetes
• Decompression Sickness
• Fibromyalgia
• Lyme
• Cerebral Palsy
• Osteoporosis
• Migraine

Physiological Conditions: 

• Alzheimer’s
• Autism
• Dementia
• Neurological Disorders
• PTSD
• Stroke
• Traumatic Brain Injury

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: What You Should Know

Before you consider hyperbaric oxygen therapy, there are a few things that you should know: 

Chamber Types

Soft-Sided: This type of chamber for oxygen therapy is specific. The levels of oxygen you get from a portable HBOT are not the same as other chambers. A portable HBOT chamber uses soft sides and, because of this, uses a lower amount of pressure. The results may be lower than going to an HBOT facility like ours. These soft-sided chambers are not FDA-approved and should be used with caution. 

Multiplace: These types of chambers are made to give HBOT to several people at the same time. The chambers can fit between five and six different patients. Each patient will get a mask that can deliver pure oxygen. Masks are used instead of filling the entire space. The room does not have a high amount of air pressure, so patients are able to wear their normal clothing and bring in their mobile devices or a book to read while receiving treatment. These types of chambers are FDA approved and can be found in hospitals or trauma centers. 

Monoplace: At Aalto, we use monoplace hyperbaric chambers. These chambers are medical-grade and give patients 100% pure oxygen. They are made with a hard-shell made and clear acrylic. We provide the largest chambers in the industry so that our patients can sit and lie in most positions. These chambers only serve one person at a time, and because of the highly pressurized air, there are certain things you should prepare for. 

Preparation 

To prepare for our chambers, avoid using lotions, make-up, perfumes, and deodorants. Materials like books or mobile devices are not allowed during your treatment time. Patients who are currently sick with a cold or fever should wait until they are better to receive HBOT. Work with your physician to make sure there are no medications that you are on that may be an issue during treatment. 

If you are a smoker, avoid tobacco during the duration of your treatment plan, as it may stop the way your body naturally intakes oxygen. You should be prepared for a treatment time of 60 to 90 minutes. We offer several different entertainment options to keep you occupied during your treatment time. 

HBOT, Aalto, and Pregnancy

When considering hyperbaric oxygen therapy, you should take the time to research what options could be best for you. All treatments will look different, from the length of the session to how many sessions will be needed to see results. If you are a pregnant patient, you should speak with a doctor to make sure that HBOT does not harm you or the fetus during treatment. If you are worried about the side effects, speak with your doctor about other forms of carbon monoxide treatment. At Aalto Hyperbaric Medical Group, we want our patients to thrive while receiving the best care possible. To learn more about what oxygen therapy can do for you, contact us today. We will help you get started with our unique treatment.