Where should chest compressions be performed on a pregnant patient?

Performing chest compressions on a pregnant patient follows similar guidelines to those for non-pregnant individuals, with some considerations for the anatomy and physiology changes that occur during pregnancy. The correct placement for chest compressions is higher on the sternum, specifically in the upper half of the sternum. This ensures that the compressions are focused directly over the heart, which is typically displaced higher in the thoracic cavity due to the enlarged uterus.

In pregnant patients, especially in the late stages of pregnancy, the uterus can cause upward displacement of the diaphragm and heart, meaning that proper compression technique must adjust to this anatomical change. By placing your hands higher on the sternum, you increase the effectiveness of the compressions, allowing deeper and more effective chest movement to facilitate proper blood flow.

This approach is critical as it ensures that you are maximizing the compressions' impact on the maternal circulation while also considering potential fetal implications in a resuscitative scenario. Therefore, performing compressions higher on the sternum is essential in achieving effective resuscitation outcomes for both the pregnant patient and the fetus.