CPR-Lesson 8-CPR for pregnant women
CPR can be performed on a pregnant woman, with modifications to improve safety for both mother and fetus.
- Immediately call emergency services “000” and inform them that the patient is pregnant.
- Place a rolled-up towel or pillow under the patient’s right hip to tilt her body 15–30 degrees to the left. This relieves pressure on the inferior vena cava, improving blood flow back to the heart and fetus.
- Position your hands in the centre of the chest, between the nipples, as you would for any other adult.
- Push hard and fast at a rate of 100–120 compressions per minute, to a depth of about 5 cm (2 inches).
- Allow the chest to fully recoil between compressions.
- After 30 compressions, give 2 rescue breaths while ensuring the chest rises.
- If you become tired, switch with another rescuer every two minutes to maintain the quality of compression.
