Being prepared for a pregnant code blue.

ABSTRACT

Cardiopulmonary arrest is rare in pregnancy. To provide the most proficient care to a pregnant woman requiring cardiopulmonary resuscitation, nurses must first understand the physiologic changes that normally occur in pregnant women. This article reviews the physiologic adjustments made by the human body during pregnancy and the manner in which these can affect efforts during resuscitation. Preparation and organization are essential in implementing care during resuscitation of a pregnant woman, which is a crisis situation for everyone involved.