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Adelaide’s #1 in Nationally Accredited First Aid Courses

CPR for Pregnancy

If you’re in an emergency CALL 000 

Follow our step-by-step guides below for how to perform CPR on someone in pregnancy. 

We also have specific guides on CPR for children, infants and adults and children over the age of 8. 

*The information below does not replace First Aid training. *

Before beginning CPR

Make sure that you have followed the DRSABCD action plan. This ensures that you have performed the vital steps before beginning CPR. 

DRSABCD pregnancy

How to perform CPR on someone who is pregnant

If possible, place towels or pillows 15-30 degrees to tilt their right hip while leaving their shoulders flat to the ground.

 

Pregnancy CPR
  1. Kneel beside the casualty
  2. Place the heel of one hand in the centre of the chest, with the other hand interlocked on top. 
CPR Interlocked hands

4. Use the weight of your body to push down roughly 1/3 of their chest depth. 

5. Release the pressure and push down again. 

 

6. 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.

7. Pinch their nose with your thumb and index finger and use your other hand to open their mouth. 

After the 30 compressions, give 2 rescue breaths.

CPR Airway Check

8. 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. 

CPR Mouth to Mouth

Repeat the process and aim to do 5 cycles per 2 minutes. If you get tired, swap with someone else every 5 cycles. 

Using an AED (Defibrillator)

If an AED is available, attach the pads as demonstrated in the picture below and follow its instructions. 

The AED looks at the heart rhythm every 2 minutes and may deliver a shock to the casualty. It will tell you before it does so. 

In between every analysis- keep performing CPR. 

AED

When to stop CPR

Only stop CPR if one of the following has occurred: 

  • The casualty returns to breathing normally
  • It is impossible to continue
  • A health care professional takes over
  • The situation is too dangerous to keep going

If the casualty starts breathing

If they start breathing, place them on their left side in the recovery position. 

In case of injury to the left side, perform on the right side and wedge a cushion or towel under their belly.

 
 
Pregnancy CPR

Need more information?

Click here for our printable guide to CPR in pregnancy.

Click here to find a CPR course near you.