Obstetric

Question

What airway and breathing issues need to be considered in the management of severe trauma of the pregnant patient?

Answer

Potential difficult airway due to soft tissue edema and breast enlargement. Higher aspiration risk due to delayed gastric emptying. For breathing, functional residual capacity is decreased. And there are increased tidal volumes. Bag valve mask is more difficult. Further chest strains should be placed higher as the diaphragm has moved up higher, so third or fourth intercost al.