Can You Defibrillate a Woman Who Is Pregnant?

Cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, including pregnant women. Knowing how to act quickly and confidently in this situation can save lives. Many people are unsure whether it is safe to defibrillate a woman who is pregnant, worrying about potential risks to both the mother and the baby. This blog explains why defibrillation is safe and critical for saving both lives.

Can You Defibrillate a Woman Who Is Pregnant?

The simple answer is: Yes, you can defibrillate a woman who is pregnant, and you must do so without delay if she is experiencing cardiac arrest. Defibrillation involves delivering an electric shock to the heart to restore its normal rhythm. The shock focuses on the heart and does not harm the baby.

Avoiding or delaying defibrillation puts both the mother’s and baby’s lives at serious risk. For more information on our defibrillators visit our Product Guide.

Why Defibrillation Is Critical in Cardiac Arrest

Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating effectively. This is a life-threatening emergency, and using an AED can dramatically increase the chance of survival. When a pregnant woman suffers from cardiac arrest, defibrillation is essential for restarting her heart. The electric shock is safe and does not pass through the uterus, meaning it won’t affect the unborn baby.

For more on emergency preparedness, visit our emergency response guide.

Steps to Take If a Pregnant Woman Collapses

If a pregnant woman collapses and shows no signs of life, follow these steps:

1. Call 999 immediately to get emergency services on their way.
2. Start CPR by placing your hands in the centre of her chest and pressing hard and fast.
3. Use an AED as soon as possible—apply the pads to her chest as you would for any adult.

AEDs are designed to guide users through the process. Once the pads are applied, the device will assess the heart’s rhythm and instruct you if a shock is needed.

Adjusting CPR for Pregnancy

In the later stages of pregnancy, the uterus can put pressure on major blood vessels, which may limit blood flow. During CPR, gently shift the uterus slightly to the side to improve circulation. However, when it comes to defibrillation, no adjustments are necessary. The pads should be applied in the standard positions.

For more on why every workplace should have an AED, check out our article on defibrillators in the workplace.

Saving Both Lives

The key to saving both the mother and the baby is quick defibrillation. By restoring the mother’s heartbeat, you significantly improve the baby’s chances of survival. Defibrillating a woman who is pregnant does not harm the baby—the shock only affects the heart. Delaying treatment will only reduce the likelihood of both surviving.

For more advice on cardiac emergencies, visit the NHS’s official guidelines on cardiac arrest.

Addressing Common Myths

There are a few common misconceptions about using defibrillators on pregnant women. One of the most frequent is that the electric shock could harm the baby. In reality, the shock is delivered to the heart and does not affect the uterus. Another misconception is that AED pads need to be placed differently on a pregnant woman. This is false—pads should always be placed in the same positions as they would be for any adult.

To debunk more myths visit our article.

Focus on the Mother First

In any cardiac arrest scenario, the priority must be to save the mother’s life. By using an AED promptly, you give her the best chance of survival. Once her heart is beating again, the baby’s chances improve dramatically. Every second counts, and defibrillating a woman in cardiac arrest is the most effective way to save both lives.

To see the full range of AEDs and accessories we offer at Defib Supplies, visit our online store.

If you are ever faced with a pregnant woman experiencing cardiac arrest, do not hesitate. Defibrillation is safe for both the mother and the baby, and acting quickly can save two lives. Make sure you are familiar with using an AED and always follow the instructions provided by the device.

For more resources on defibrillators, cardiac arrest, and emergency response, visit our Defib Supplies blog.