The Time is Now: Addressing the Need for Training in Maternal Critical Care Medicine

Abstract

(Int J Obstet Anesth. 2022;50:103544) Indirect medical conditions, such as cardiovascular disease and sepsis, now cause the majority of deaths during the peripartum period within the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia. In addition average maternal age, and the number of co-morbidities and rates of severe maternal morbidity have all increased alongside pregnancy-related deaths from indirect medical conditions. Despite efforts from the National Partnership for Maternal Safety, the Royal College of Midwives, and the Obstetric Anaesthetists’ Association, delays in diagnosis and treatment and disparities in care continue. Current tools may not be able to prevent important adverse events. This article addresses dual fellowship training for critical care medicine (CCM) and obstetric anesthesiology as way to address these issues in maternal care.