Cardiopulmonary Arrest in Pregnancy: Successful Resuscitation of Mother and Infant Following Immediate Caesarean Section in Labour Ward

EDITORIAL COMMENT: This case will interest readers because it shows a frightening complication of epidural analgesia in association with hypotensive therapy. This technically was a case of postmortem Caesarean section and indicates that a favourable outcome for mother and baby is possible if intervention is prompt. Follow‐up of the infant is indicated in such cases because the literature indicates that the prognosis of surviving babies born under these circumstances is unfavourable. Summary: Our patient experienced cardiopulmonary arrest secondary to profound hypotension and was unable to be resuscitated with external cardiac massage and assisted ventilation. This case demonstrates the need for continued vigilance by medical and nursing staff when epidural anaesthesia is being established. Resuscitation equipment should be available in the labour ward as cardiopulmonary resuscitation and immediate Caesarean section can be life‐saving in the event of a cardiopulmonary arrest.