CPR for Pregnancy
If you’re in an emergency, CALL 000
The guide below is for use on pregnant women.
You can find our specific guides on CPR for children, infants and adults, HERE.
***IMPORTANT***
The information below does NOT replace first aid training. If you haven’t been certified in first aid and CPR, we highly recommend doing so before attempting to administer CPR.
Before beginning CPR
How to perform CPR on somone who is pregnant
If possible, place towels or pillows 15-30 degrees to tilt their right hip while leaving their shoulders flat on the ground.
1. Kneel beside the patient.
2. Place the heel of one hand in the centre of their chest, with the other hand interlocked on top.
3. Use the weight of your body to push down roughly 1/3 of their chest depth.
4. Release the pressure and push down again.
After 30 compressions, give two rescue breaths.
To ensure that the patient is in the correct position, place one hand on their forehead and the other hand under their chin to tilt their head back.
Pinch their nose with your thumb and index finger and use your other hand to open their mouth.
7. Take a breath and form a seal around the patient’s mouth. Blow for about one second and look for the chest to rise and fall. Then give a second breath.
8. Repeat the process and aim to do five cycles per two minutes. If you get tired, swap with someone every five cycles.
Using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
Most businesses house an AED, so if an AED is available, use it.
If an AED is available, attach the pads as demonstrated in the picture and follow its instructions.
The AED looks at the heart rhythm every two minutes and may deliver a shock to the patient. It will tell you before it does so.
Between every analysis, continue performing CPR.
When to stop CPR
Only stop CPR if one of the following occurs:
- The person’s breathing returns to normal
- It is impossible to continue
- A health care professional takes over
- The situation becomes too dangerous to continue.
If the patient starts breathing
If they start breathing, place them on their left side in the recovery position.
If an injury has occurred on the left side, turn them onto their right side and wedge a cushion or towel under their belly.
