It is a very challenging task to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on a collapsed pregnant woman. Research said that cardiac arrest occurs in one in 9,000 pregnant patients during hospital delivery. A mother carries a growing baby inside her body, which is why incorrect CPR can risk the mother’s and the child’s lives.
CPR is a lifesaving procedure for anyone experiencing cardiac arrest, choking, drowning, a heart attack, or breathing difficulties. In this blog, we’ll discuss how to properly manage a collapsed pregnant woman and provide the best possible chance of survival for both mother and child.
Step-by-step guide to performing CPR on a pregnant woman
When a pregnant woman experiences cardiac arrest, her heart stops pumping oxygen and blood to other vital parts of the body, which puts her and the baby at immediate risk. Pregnant women may face maternal cardiac arrest due to various reasons such as cardiac arrest, eclampsia, haemorrhage, or pulmonary embolism. In such cases, immediate intervention and correct hand placement play a huge role in saving a woman.
Here are the key steps:
1. Check responsiveness
The first step in performing CPR is to check the responsiveness of the collapsed pregnant woman. This helps determine whether the woman is conscious or unconscious.
Before touching the woman, a bystander should be aware of legal guidelines regarding providing medical assistance. To check for responsiveness:
- Gently shake the woman and ask loudly, “Are you okay?“
- If she does not respond, immediately call Emergency Medical Services (EMS) for help.
2. Position the pregnant woman
When assisting a collapsed pregnant woman, it’s important to position her correctly to ensure proper blood circulation. Placing her in an uncomfortable position can worsen the situation, especially if she is carrying twins or triplets.
To position her safely:
- Gently lay the pregnant woman on her back on a firm, flat surface.
- To improve blood flow, tilt her slightly to her left side by placing a rolled-up towel or blanket under her right hip. This prevents pressure on a major blood vessel (the inferior vena cava), which helps maintain circulation to both the mother and baby.
3. Open Airway
Once the pregnant woman is placed in a comfortable position, the next step is to open her airway to ensure proper breathing.
- Tilt her head back slightly by placing one hand on her forehead and the other under her chin.
- Lift her chin gently to open the airway. This helps prevent the tongue from blocking airflow.
- Check for breathing by looking for chest movement, listening for breath sounds, and feeling for airflow.
4. Perform rescue breathing
Rescue breathing is a life-saving technique that provides oxygen to a person who is not breathing or is only gasping. In pregnant women, proper breathing support is vital for both the mother and the baby.
- Give 2 gentle rescue breaths after every 30 chest compressions.
- Make sure each breath lasts about 1 second and causes the chest to rise visibly.
- Avoid over-inflating the lungs to prevent unnecessary pressure on the abdomen.
- Perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and open the airway by tilting the head and lifting the chin.
5. Begin chest compression
If she is not breathing properly, then begin chest compression. High-quality chest compression can help to save a cardiac arrest suffered by pregnant women.
Follow the key steps:
- Place both hands in the center of her chest, just above the lower half of the breastbone (sternum).
- Push down at least 2 inches deep with both hands, keeping your arms straight.
- Perform compressions at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute (about the rhythm of the song “Stayin’ Alive”).
- Allow the chest to fully recoil between compressions to maintain effective blood flow.
6. Use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
If an Automated external defibrillator is available, then use it effectively. According to the American Heart Association shows that the use of AEDs helps to increase the survival rate outside of hospital cardiac arrest from 8% to 20%. However, you should not use an AED unless you are trained. If you are trained in Basic Life Support or advanced life support, you will use it quickly and make a difference between life and death. CPR training teaches you how to properly place the AED pads, recognize the voice prompts from the AED machine, and follow the necessary steps for proper defibrillation.
7. Continue CPR Until Help Arrives
Continue performing 30 chest compressions and 2 rescue breaths until the woman shows signs of life or professional medical help arrives. The constant circulation of oxygenated blood is crucial for both the mother’s and baby’s survival. If you keep performing hands-only CPR, then there is an increasing chance of survival. Research showed that 68.3% have survived cardiac arrest during pregnancy from healthcare professionals’ care. That’s why immediately call EMT for help to save a victim.
Why is CPR important for collapsed pregnant women?
Pregnant women experience physical and hormonal changes that can increase the risk of complications like high blood pressure, collapse, or even cardiac arrest. In such emergencies, it’s critical to act quickly.. Without timely intervention, the mother’s organs can begin to fail and keep both her life and the baby’s life in danger. Proper care and prompt CPR are essential to improving outcomes and preventing serious complications.
Here is the key importance of CPR for pregnant women:
1. Prevent oxygen deprivation:
The unborn child relies entirely on the mother for oxygen and other nutrients. So, quickly implementing CPR techniques can restore circulation and keep oxygen flowing by preventing brain damage or death.
2. CPR increases the survival chance:
The faster CPR is started, the better the chances of reviving the mother and sustaining blood flow to the baby until medical help arrives.
3. Addresses pregnancy-related risk:
CPR increases the survival of the mother and the fetus during a difficult pregnancy. The proper practice of CPR minimizes the severe risk to a mother and a baby. Medical professionals address complications such as high blood pressure, severe bleeding, and amniotic fluid embolism in women’s bodies and perform life-saving protocols to save lives.
4. Prevents complications from delayed intervention:
Cardiac arrest can occur in pregnant women due to pre-existing heart conditions such as cancer, epilepsy, and stroke. Immediate CPR can prevent further complications, such as organ damage or neurological injury. By maintaining blood circulation and oxygen levels for both mother and baby until medical help arrives.
Does CPR affect the baby?
Yes, CPR can affect the baby, especially when the mother experiences cardiac arrest and is unable to breathe. In such emergencies, the baby’s oxygen supply depends entirely on the mother’s circulation and respiratory function. Any delay in providing effective care can lead to severe complications or even death for both mother and baby.
However, high-quality chest compressions and rescue breaths can help restore oxygenated blood flow to the mother’s vital organs, including the uterus, supporting the baby’s survival. If standard CPR is not effective, Extracorporeal Life Support (ECLS), such as ECPR, may be used as an advanced intervention to manage cardiac arrest and maintain oxygenated blood flow.
Conclusion
Pregnant women face numerous challenges, including hormonal fluctuations, body changes, and an increased risk of high blood pressure. It is essential to give proper care to both the mother and the growing baby. Even a minor mistake can lead to severe complications such as excessive bleeding, collapse, or even cardiac arrest. In such cases, you should be well prepared to handle the life-threatening situation by learning Basic life support and first aid.
If you’re looking for the best CPR training center in California, Heart Start CPR is the perfect choice. We offer comprehensive courses, including BLS, PALS, and ACLS courses with hands-on training on manikins from our highly qualified instructors. We also offer flexible learning options, including both online and in-person classes and free online practice tests to pass the course. Additionally, we provide recertification for BLS, PALS, and ACLS to ensure you stay up to date with the latest life-saving techniques.
Join Heart Start CPR today and gain the skills needed to make a difference in critical situations!
