SEO-Optimised Key Takeaways – CPR on Pregnant Women

1. CPR is safe and lifesaving for pregnant women – Modifications are required due to physiological changes in pregnancy to protect both mother and fetus.

2. Positioning is critical – Tilt the woman slightly to her left side (15–30°) to reduce pressure on the inferior vena cava and maintain blood flow.

3. Chest compressions remain standard – Perform 100–120 compressions/min at ~5 cm depth using upper body weight; rhythm and technique must remain consistent.

4. Airway and rescue breaths – Open airway gently; give two rescue breaths after 30 compressions, ensuring chest rise is visible.

5. DRS ABC action plan – Follow Dangers, Response, Send for Help, Airway, Breathing, CPR, Defibrillator (AED) for structured emergency response.

6. Emergency call is essential – Always call 000 in Australia immediately before or during CPR; timely professional care increases survival chances.

7. Maternal circulation prioritised – CPR restores oxygenated blood to vital organs, critical for both mother’s survival and fetal oxygen supply.

8. Avoid common mistakes – Do not lie the woman flat on her back; ensure help is called, and fetal well-being is monitored once resuscitation begins.

9. CPR benefits both lives – Effective maternal resuscitation maximises survival odds for mother and baby, particularly in cases of preeclampsia or cardiac arrest.

10. Seek formal CPR training – Certification courses enhance confidence and preparedness; CPR techniques should be practiced regularly to ensure readiness in emergencies.

 

How to Perform CPR on a Pregnant Woman

Why Pregnancy Changes CPR Procedure

Performing CPR on a pregnant woman differs slightly from standard adult CPR because pregnancy changes how blood circulates and how the body responds during emergencies.

Physiology: Inferior Vena Cava Compression

As the uterus grows, especially beyond 20 weeks, it can press on the inferior vena cava—a major vein returning blood to the heart. This pressure reduces blood flow, making it harder for CPR to be effective if the woman is lying flat. That’s why a left tilt CPR position is vital. Tilting the woman 15–30° to her left side relieves pressure and improves venous return and cardiac output.

Risks to the Mother and Fetus

Both the mother and fetus rely on adequate oxygen circulation. When maternal cardiac arrest occurs, time is critical. Every minute without CPR decreases survival chances for both lives. Common causes include preeclampsia, amniotic fluid embolism, or cardiac complications.

According to Australian Action on Pre-Eclampsia (AAPEC), about 1 in 20 Australian women experience preeclampsia, a leading cause of severe maternal emergencies.

 

Key Differences in Performing CPR on Pregnant Women

When performing CPR on a pregnant woman, there are key differences from performing CPR on someone who is not pregnant. These differences primarily are the growing uterus, which can pressure significant blood vessels and alter normal circulation. Pregnancy also affects the respiratory system, blood pressure, and body mechanics. As such, adjustments to the standard CPR procedure are necessary to ensure the best possible outcome for both the woman and the fetus.

1. Pressure on Major Blood Vessels
   As pregnancy progresses, especially in the second and third trimesters, the uterus can press on large blood vessels like the inferior vena cava, which helps blood return to the heart. If these vessels are compressed, it can be more challenging for blood to flow correctly. That’s why it’s essential to position the woman to reduce this pressure.
2. Positioning for Better Circulation
   The positioning of the woman during CPR is incredibly crucial. Lying flat on her back may worsen the pressure on the inferior vena cava and impair circulation. To avoid this, rescuers should position the pregnant woman slightly on her side, typically on her left, to alleviate pressure on major vessels and improve blood flow.
3. Fetal Consideration
   If the mother’s heart stops, both she and the fetus are at risk. CPR can help restore maternal circulation, providing oxygenated blood to the fetus. However, CPR will not directly restart the fetus’s heart, so the mother’s condition must be stabilised as quickly as possible to maximise the chances of fetal survival.

Step-by-Step CPR for Pregnant Patients

Knowing how to modify standard CPR steps for pregnancy can make a lifesaving difference. Follow these structured actions based on the DRS ABC action plan.

Step 1: Check Safety and Responsiveness

• D – Dangers: Ensure the area is safe for you and the patient. 
• R – Response: Gently tap her shoulder and ask, “Are you okay?” 
• S – Send for help: Call 000 immediately or instruct someone nearby to do so. 
• A – Airway: Open the airway gently—avoid hyperextending the neck. 
• B – Breathing: Look, listen, and feel for normal breathing for up to 10 seconds. 
• C – Start CPR: If she isn’t breathing normally, begin compressions.
• D – Defibrillation: If an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is on hand and ready, use it as soon as possible. 

Step 2: Positioning (15–30° Left Tilt)

Proper positioning is crucial for CPR during pregnancy:

• Avoid lying flat. This increases vena cava compression. 
• Tilt her to the left side at approximately 15–30°. 
• Support her right hip with a rolled towel, small pillow, or your hand to maintain tilt if she can’t be fully turned. 
• Left tilt CPR ensures better circulation to the heart and uterus.

Step 3: Hand Placement & Compression Depth

• Place the heel of one hand on the centre of the chest, just below the breastbone. 
• Place your other hand on top, interlocking your fingers. 
• Press down firmly and quickly—about 5 cm deep at 100–120 compressions per minute. 
• Use your upper body weight for force and maintain a steady rhythm. 
• Boldly focus on compression quality—poor compressions mean poor oxygen delivery.

Step 4: Rescue Breaths – Technique & Timing

• After 30 compressions, open the airway using a gentle head tilt–chin lift. 
• Pinch the nose, seal your mouth over hers, and breathe for 1 second, watching for chest rise. 
• Deliver two effective rescue breaths, then continue the 30:2 cycle. 
• If untrained or uncomfortable giving breaths, perform hands-only CPR at the same rate.

Step 5: Continue Until Help Arrives

• Keep performing CPR cycles until emergency responders arrive or the woman shows signs of breathing. 
• As stated previously, if available, attach an AED (defibrillator) as soon as possible and follow its prompts. 

Using AED Safely During Pregnancy

An AED use pregnancy scenario may seem intimidating, but defibrillation is both safe and necessary when indicated.

Pad Placement and Safety Precautions

• Use AED pads in the same positions as for non-pregnant adults—one on the upper right chest, the other on the lower left side. 
• Avoid placing pads over breast tissue if possible. 
• Ensure the tilt position remains during AED use to keep blood flow steady.
  The electric shock will not harm the fetus—its purpose is to restore the mother’s heart rhythm, which in turn helps the baby.
  

The main difference when doing CPR on a pregnant woman is the positioning.  As previously mentioned, the woman should be placed slightly on her left side to reduce pressure on the inferior vena cava and maximise blood flow. Additionally, chest compressions should be performed with the same depth and rate as in non-pregnant individuals, and the rescuer should ensure that their actions are carefully timed and coordinated to prevent harm to both the mother and fetus.

Also, getting the woman to a medical facility as soon as possible is essential for further care. Pregnant women in cardiac arrest need specialised medical attention, and the fetus will need monitoring too.

Why CPR is Critical for Pregnant Women and Their Babies?

CPR is crucial for pregnant women for several reasons:

1. To Restore Circulation to the Mother
   If the woman’s heart stops, CPR can help restore blood flow to vital organs, especially the brain and heart, which is critical for survival.
2. To Provide Oxygenated Blood to the Fetus
   The baby depends on the mother’s circulation for oxygen, so restoring blood flow is vital for both lives.
3. To Prevent Maternal Death
   Pregnant women are more vulnerable to certain complications that can lead to cardiac arrest, such as blood clots or preeclampsia. CPR is a lifeline until medical help arrives. According to Australian Action on Pre-Eclampsia (AAPEC), an organisation that helps to promote understanding of preeclampsia, in Australia, 1 in 20 women are diagnosed with preeclampsia. It is the most common severe medical disorder of human pregnancy.

Advanced Options: Emergency Resuscitative Hysterectomy

Sometimes, when CPR and defibrillation do not restore circulation quickly, an emergency resuscitative hysterotomy — commonly known as a perimortem caesarean section — may be necessary.

When to Escalate Care

According to AHA guidelines for pregnant CPR, if there’s no return of spontaneous circulation after 4–5 minutes of effective CPR, trained emergency teams may initiate this procedure to relieve uterine pressure and improve maternal survival.

Who Makes the Call?

This intervention should only be performed by qualified medical personnel in hospital or advanced prehospital settings. The decision is made by the attending emergency physician or obstetric team to maximise both maternal and fetal outcomes.

Performing CPR on a pregnant woman can be lifesaving, but it is essential to know the adjustments needed to protect both the mother and the baby. While the basic principles of CPR remain the same, certain modifications—such as positioning the woman on her left side—are necessary to account for the changes in her body during pregnancy. If you need a refresher on first-aid skills, need CPR training, or want to become certified in first-aid, we offer a variety of courses that can fit your needs. Check out our available first aid courses near you today!

FAQs About CPR in Pregnancy

Is CPR Safe for My Baby?

Yes. The main goal of CPR is to restore blood flow to the mother, which directly benefits the baby. While CPR pregnant woman procedures focus on the mother first, her stabilisation ensures oxygen reaches the fetus.

Can Every Bystander Do It?

Absolutely. Anyone trained—or even untrained—can perform hands-only CPR until emergency help arrives. Attending a CPR or first aid course ensures you’re ready and confident in real situations.

Does Pregnancy Change Compression Depth?

No. Compression depth and rate remain 5 cm deep and 100–120/min. The only modification is the left tilt and gentle handling of the airway to prevent unnecessary strain.

Can an AED Be Used on a Pregnant Woman?

Yes. AED use during pregnancy is completely safe and strongly recommended. Always follow the device’s voice instructions.

Learn More & CPR Training Courses

Performing CPR on a pregnant woman requires awareness, composure, and skill. While the fundamental principles of CPR remain the same, modifications such as left-tilt positioning and quick access to AEDs are vital to protecting both mother and baby. If you’re unsure about your skills or wish to become certified, explore CPR First Aid’s nationally recognised training.

Enrol in the HLTAID009 Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Course to master adult, child, and pregnancy-specific resuscitation.

Effective, timely CPR saves two lives at once—the mother and her unborn child. Learning these skills today prepares you to respond when every second counts