In the delicate dance of life and the unexpected twists it takes, there are moments that demand our courage to step forward, to be the unwavering heartbeat that echoes hope in the face of uncertainty. Imagine a heartbeat not just for one but for two lives entwined in the pregnancy miracle. In this journey where joy and vulnerability converge, the need for life-saving skills transcends the ordinary.
Being aware of how to provide CPR for a pregnant woman is a very crucial and specialized skill to possess and can save the mother and the unborn child in the event of a cardiac emergency.
What is CPR?
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation is a very crucial technique which is administered mainly in cases where a person has gone into cardiac arrest. CPR involves giving 30 chest compressions followed by sets of 2 rescue breaths. This primarily aims to keep oxygenated blood moving to the brain and other vital organs until advanced medical help arrives. According to the Canadian Red Cross, we breathe in 21% oxygen and breathe out 16%. Even exhaled breath has more than enough to sustain life.
However, certain special considerations need to be kept in mind and followed when performing CPR for a pregnant woman. When a pregnant woman goes into sudden cardiac arrest, it is called Maternal Cardiac Arrest. It is a critical medical emergency as there is danger to both the lives of the mother and the unborn baby. Therefore, proper CPR procedure needs to be followed with caution to mitigate any harm to the woman and the unborn child.
Various Types of CPR Procedures
The procedure for administering CPR varies. Special considerations must be remembered while performing CPR in certain scenarios. Some examples of CPR procedures where special considerations have to be taken into account are:
- CPR for adults
- CPR for children
- CPR for infants
- CPR for pregnant women
Administering CPR to a Pregnant Woman
The first step is to recognize a cardiac emergency. Check if the woman is breathing and responsive. If the woman is not breathing, call 911 and find an AED immediately. After calling 911, you have to begin CPR. If there are any bystanders nearby, have them call 911 and fetch an AED instead while you begin CPR for a pregnant woman.
According to the Comprehensive Guide for First Aid by Canadian Red Cross, the following procedure needs to be adopted when performing CPR for a pregnant woman:
Raise her right hip to aid in returning the blood to the heart. If another person is nearby (or an appropriate object is within easy reach), ask the person to find a soft object that you can place under the woman’s hip, but do not interrupt or delay starting CPR to find an object yourself.
Steps to do CPR on a Pregnant Woman
- First, lay the woman down on her back on a hard and even surface. Raise her right hip 7.5 to 10 cm (3 to 4 in.)
- Push into the center of the woman’s chest using both of your palms and push about 2 inches down with each compression.
- Continue these compressions at 100-200bpm. Deliver 2 rescue breaths after doing 30 compressions.
- If the woman is still unresponsive, continue with compressions and rescue breaths.
- Continue until professional medical help arrives.
How to Use an AED on a Pregnant Woman
The procedure of using an Automated External Defibrilliator (AED) on a pregnant woman is the same as using it on a regular person. There are no special considerations required to be undertaken, and an AED can be safely used on a pregnant woman. The steps are as follows:
- Turn on the AED device and follow the audio prompts.
- Expose the person’s bare chest.
- Apply electrode pads to the person’s dry skin where indicated.
- Allow the AED to analyze the person’s heart rhythm.
- Ensure that no one is moving or touching the person when the AED is delivering the defibrillation shock.
- After the shock has been delivered, the AED audio prompt will instruct when it is safe to resume CPR with the hands.
Decreasing Compression Fraction
During CPR, you should minimize interruptions to chest compressions. Any interruption decreases the total number of compressions given and, therefore, the amount of circulated blood. Compressions also build up pressure in the person’s arteries: when compressions are interrupted, the arterial pressure drops, which means that the first compressions you give after the interruption are rebuilding the pressure and not yet circulating blood effectively.
Interruptions should be limited to critical interventions, such as applying AED pads to the person, allowing the AED to analyze or administer a shock, and clearing the airway. Pause to reassess the person’s ABCs only if there has been an obvious change in the person’s condition. Lengthy ventilation steps (opening the airway, excessive breathing) should be avoided. You do not need to reposition your hands after every compression—the hand is placed in the middle of the chest. This is very important while performing CPR for a pregnant woman.
Why is CPR Training Important?
It is evident that CPR is a skill that can save lives. Possessing the knowledge of CPR enables you to act promptly and properly. CPR training will equip you to deal with various scenarios that may arise. Some of these scenarios include providing CPR for a pregnant woman, where special considerations are required. Standard First Aid and CPR/AED include comprehensive CPR and AED training so that you are fully equipped with the right skills and the knowledge of how to use them. Therefore, we encourage you to enroll in a CPR training course today and get certified to be a lifesaver and a hero!
Why Trust Coast2Coast
Elevate your preparedness for unexpected situations and arm yourself with vital life-saving skills by considering enrollment in standard First Aid training at Coast2Coast. This training will give you the knowledge and skills to respond quickly to emergencies. The acquired expertise enhances your personal safety and contributes significantly to creating a secure environment for both yourself and those in your immediate surroundings. Taking the initiative to enroll in first aid training is a proactive step toward being well-equipped and confident in facing unforeseen challenges, ensuring a safer and more prepared community.
