Challenges of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation during Pregnancy

Abstract

Cardiac arrest, though rare, is the most feared complication in the pregnant woman as it involves two lives. Most arrests occur because of conditions that result from the pregnancy itself or from preexisting medical conditions exacerbated by the pregnancy. Prompt resuscitative efforts are crucial for favorable outcomes for the mother and fetus. The basic principles of resuscitation during pregnancy such as airway, breathing, and circulation are similar to the resuscitation in a cardiopulmonary arrest in any patient; however, certain modifications are necessary to account for the physiologic changes that occur during the pregnancy. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) of the parturient should include uterine tilt or displacement to relieve the compression of the inferior vena cava and aorta by the gravid uterus, intubation using rapid sequence intubation with cricoid pressure, and timely perimortem cesarean section (PMCS). Ideally, the PMCS must be performed within 5 minutes of cardiac arrest if the pregnant woman does not have a return of spontaneous circulation, and resuscitation is deemed unsuccessful. The PMCS is performed if the gestational age is at least 20 weeks or the gravid uterus is evident. A high-quality CPR and multispecialty team approach, consisting of obstetricians, cardiologists, anesthesiologists, neonatologists, and nursing staff, is essential for survival.