Cardiopulmonary resuscitation and somatic support of the pregnant patient

Cardiopulmonary arrest during pregnancy is a rare event that critical care clinicians must be prepared to manage. The causes of cardiopulmonary arrest during pregnancy, recommended modifications to cardiopulmonary resuscitation protocols that are specific to pregnancy, indications for and timing of perimortem cesarean delivery, and the expected fetal outcomes are reviewed. Rarely, brain death of a pregnant patient may occur in a setting where continued support of the mother is possible to prolong the pregnancy and improve fetal outcome. Prolonged somatic support of pregnant patients who are brain dead presents specific management challenges, but has been accomplished. The physiologic changes that occur after brain death and recommendations for somatic support of the brain dead pregnant patient also are reviewed.