A Case Report of a Favorable Outcome of Prolonged Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation in Pregnancy

Cardiac arrest in pregnancy is a rare event and poses a great risk to the mother and the fetus. A perimortem cesarean delivery (PMCD) is indicated within four minutes of cardiac arrest if the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) has not been achieved. This is a case of a 24-year-old pregnant woman who had a cardiac arrest and underwent a PMCD within six minutes. ROSC was achieved after 40 minutes. The patient was discharged home after 53 days without any neurological sequelae. The twins had neonatal encephalopathy and required neonatal ICU admission and cooling. They were discharged on day 12. Early recognition of cardiac arrest and rapid initiation of maternal resuscitation can significantly improve maternal and fetal outcomes. All providers who work closely with pregnant patients should be aware of the latest 2020 American Heart Association guidelines for the management of cardiac arrest in pregnancy.