How would you perform CPR with a pregnant women?

CPR for Pregnant Women

1. Check for responsiveness.

- Gently shake and shout to the woman, "Are you okay?"

- If she is unresponsive, call 911 or your local emergency number.

2. Start chest compressions.

- Kneel beside the woman with your shoulders directly over your hands.

- Place the heel of one hand on the center of her breastbone, between the nipples.

- Place your other hand over your first hand and interlace your fingers.

- Give chest compressions at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute. Push hard to compress the woman's chest by about 2 inches.

- Allow the chest to recoil between compressions.

3. Give rescue breaths.

- Pinch the woman's nose shut and seal her mouth with yours.

- Give two breaths, each lasting about 1 second.

- Watch for her chest to rise with each breath.

4. Continue CPR until help arrives.

- Continue giving chest compressions and rescue breaths until emergency medical personnel arrive.

- If you are unable to continue CPR, use an AED if one is available.

5. Additional considerations for CPR during pregnancy

- Place a pillow or folded towel under the woman's hips to tilt her uterus to the left. This will help to improve blood flow to the fetus.

- If the woman is in her third trimester, you may need to give abdominal thrusts instead of chest compressions. To do this, place one hand on top of the other and press inward and upward into the woman's abdomen, between the navel and the rib cage.

- Be careful not to press on the woman's uterus.

CPR is a vital skill that can save lives. By learning how to perform CPR, you can help to make a difference in the lives of pregnant women and their babies.