Maternal Collapse

cardiac arrest management

  • GET PEOPLE - neonatal and obstetric crash call, call ED consultant overnight
    • LEFT uterine displacement - no longer tilting patients as chest compressions are ineffective
  • Cardiac arrest runs as with any adult cardiac arrest
  • Resuscitative hysterotomy - >20 weeks
  • GTG: decision to stop = consultant obstetrician and consultant anaesthetist

relevant physiology in the pregnant patient

airway

  • ↑ risk aspiration
  • airway oedema

breathing

  • if still pregnant, ventilation will be more difficult → splinting from gravid uterus

circulation

  • manual displacement of uterus

specific differentials

  • Amniotic fluid embolism
  • Eclampsia??
  • Sepsis