Chapter 14 - Care of the critically ill obstetric patient

Abstract

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is a global health emergency of enormous magnitude. Although for most pregnant women, COVID-19 can be a mild illness, for some it can lead to severe acute illness requiring critical care input and management. Changes in the maternal immune system together with other physiological modifications associated with pregnancy are known to increase maternal susceptibility to infections. The changes will also complicate intubation and mechanical ventilation. It is essential that non-obstetric trained critical care health professionals have an understanding of the holistic care needs of the critically ill COVID-19 obstetric patient. This chapter outlines and discusses normal maternal physiology. This knowledge is then applied to the pathophysiology and care of critically ill COVID-19 pregnant or post-partum patients.