When faced with a medical emergency involving a pregnant woman, the ability to perform CPR quickly and effectively becomes a matter of life and death. While CPR techniques on nonpregnant individuals are widely understood, administering them correctly on a pregnant woman requires specialized knowledge. In this guide, we’ll discuss key mistakes to avoid when administering CPR on pregnant women so you can respond effectively during emergencies.
Mistaking Anatomy Adjustments During Pregnancy
One common mistake is failing to reposition the pregnant woman to prevent what is known as aortocaval compression. Without alleviating the pressure caused by the uterus, blood flow to critical organs, including the heart, can become severely restricted, reducing the effectiveness of CPR.
To avoid this mistake, a health care professional must perform a left uterine displacement (LUD) by manually shifting the uterus or tilting the patient 15 to 30 degrees to her left side. This small adjustment encourages unobstructed blood flow, a vital factor for successful resuscitation.
Neglecting the Need for Specialized Chest Compressions
Chest compressions are at the heart of effective CPR, but the process requires adjustment for pregnant patients. Due to an expanded thoracic cavity and diaphragm elevation, compressions may need to be administered slightly higher on the chest compared to nonpregnant patients. Incorrect placement reduces the effectiveness of compressions and can also increase the risk of injury to the patient and fetus.
Delaying Advanced Resuscitative Measures
While initial CPR steps can stabilize a pregnant woman in cardiac arrest, delays in advanced procedures can be deadly for mother and baby. Among the common delays is the hesitation to initiate a perimortem cesarean delivery (PMCD) in cases where standard resuscitation techniques fail within the first four minutes. Initiating a PMCD in a timely manner increases the likelihood of maternal survival and provides a better chance for fetal survival.
Advancing Knowledge and Training
Performing CPR on a pregnant woman requires more than just fundamental resuscitation skills; it demands a deep understanding of maternal physiology, swift decision-making, and seamless coordination between medical teams. Remembering the mistakes to avoid when administering CPR on pregnant women can lead to better outcomes for expectant mothers and their babies during emergencies.
CPR123 provides American Heart Association certifications designed for health care professionals who want to enhance their skills and confidence in delivering lifesaving care. Our specialized training includes techniques for administering treatment to pregnant women, equipping providers with the knowledge and expertise needed to respond effectively in critical situations.
