How should CPR be adapted for a person who is pregnant?

When performing CPR on a pregnant person, it is crucial to consider the position of the uterus and the potential pressure it may exert on major blood vessels. Displacing the sternum to the left helps to relieve pressure on the inferior vena cava, a large vein that carries blood from the lower body back to the heart. If the weight of the uterus compresses this vein, it can severely reduce blood flow to the heart and the brain, jeopardizing the lives of both the mother and the fetus.

By displacing the sternum to the left during chest compressions, rescuers can mitigate this risk, ensuring a more effective blood flow and maximizing the likelihood of a successful resuscitation. It underscores the importance of adapting standard CPR techniques to accommodate the physiological changes that occur during pregnancy.