ACLS in Pregnancy

Cardiac arrest in pregnant patients involves both maternal and obstetric interventions. While standard BLS/ACLS is applied, including high-quality chest compressions, indicated defibrillation, and other medical interventions, there are important differences due to the physiological changes of pregnancy. During pregnancy, lying in the supine position results in aortocaval compression, which should be relieved continuously with manual left uterine displacement during CPR and postarrest care. Fetal monitoring is not recommended, as it may serve as a distraction from appropriate ACLS management. Moreover, perimortem cesarean delivery is indicated if there is no ROSC within 4 min of resuscitative efforts.