Choking emergencies require prompt and appropriate actions, especially during pregnancy. Due to the sensitive nature of pregnancy, traditional methods like the Heimlich maneuver need modifications to ensure the safety of both the mother and the baby.
This guide provides a step-by-step approach to safely assist a pregnant woman in avoiding choking.
Identifying Choking Signs and Symptoms in Pregnant Women
Pregnant women might experience choking symptoms more intensely due to physiological changes during pregnancy. Recognize severe choking in a pregnant woman by these signs:
- Unable to breathe, cough, speak, cry or make sounds
- Clutching throat with hand(s)
- Has a cough that has no sound
- High-pitched squeaking noises when breathing or no sound
- Wheezing or whistling sounds
- Pale or blue skin color
- Appearances of panic, and anxiety.
Why Use Chest Thrusts Instead of the Heimlich Maneuver in Pregnant Women?
The standard Heimlich maneuver is not recommended for pregnant women primarily due to the potential risks it poses to the fetus. The technique involves applying significant pressure to the abdomen, which could potentially harm the unborn baby, especially if force is applied directly over the uterus.
Additionally, during later stages of pregnancy, the enlarged abdomen makes it physically challenging to properly perform the maneuver.
For pregnant women, the chest thrust technique is a safer alternative that effectively helps clear the airway without the risks associated with abdominal pressure.
Note: If you're the only rescuer, give chest thrusts first. Immediately after, dial 911 or your local emergency number. If someone else is with you, ask them to call for help while you provide first aid.
Pregnant Choking Rescue: A Step-by-Step Guide
If the woman can cough, encourage her to keep coughing forcefully, as coughing is the most effective natural method to clear a blockage.
If coughing doesn’t resolve the issue, perform chest thrusts right away.
Step 1: Positioning
- Stand behind the woman and slightly to one side
- Place your arms under her armpits and encircle her upper chest.
Step 2: Make a fist
- Make a fist with one hand and place it on the center of the sternum (breastbone), taking care to avoid the top of the abdomen.
Step 3: Grasp the fist
- Cover the fist with your other hand to stabilize and secure it.
Step 4: Give 5 Quick Chest Thrusts
- Perform gentle but firm inward and upward thrusts to create airflow, which can help dislodge the object.
Step 5: Repeat if Necessary
Continue chest thrusts until:
- The blockage is dislodged or emergency medical personnel arrive.
- The pregnant woman can cough, cry, or speak.
- The pregnant woman becomes unresponsive.
If the choking pregnant woman becomes unresponsive, perform CPR
Step 1: Shout for help
- If possible, send someone to call 9-1-1 or do it yourself.
- If available, get an AED. Turn it on upon arrival and follow the prompts to use it immediately.
Step 2: Positioning
- Place a rolled-up towel or a small pillow under her right hip to improve blood flow for both the pregnant woman and her baby.
- This slight tilt to the left side helps relieve pressure on the inferior vena cava, a major vein that returns blood to the heart, which can be compressed by the enlarged uterus.
Step 3: Give 30 Chest Compressions
- Place the heel of one hand in the center of the chest. Put your other hand on top, interlace your fingers, and keep them off the chest.
- Push down hard and fast in the center of the chest (just below the nipple line) at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute.
- Give 30 compressions per set.
- Each compression should be about 2 inches deep.
- Allow chest to return to normal position after each compression
- Do not pause compressions for more than 10 seconds.
After each compression set and before attempting breaths:
- Open the pregnant woman’s mouth.
- Check for visible objects.
- If an object is seen, gently remove it with your pinky.
- Never do a pinky sweep unless the object is visible.
Step 4: Give 2 breaths
- Open the pregnant woman’s airway.
- Pinch the nose shut, take a normal breath, and form a complete seal over her mouth with your own.
- Give 2 quick breaths into her mouth, each lasting about 1 second.
Step 5: Repeat sets of 30 compressions and 2 breaths until:
- The pregnant woman shows signs of life (moves, speaks, blinks, or reacts).
- Emergency Medical Services (EMS) arrive.
Post-Choking Care: Ensuring Safety and Health
Even if the choking incident is resolved, ensure that she receives immediate medical attention to confirm that both her health and the baby’s well-being are stable afterward.
If you’re looking for an extra layer of safety, you might consider exploring a professional anti-choking device.
These choking devices are designed to be safe and effective to help pull the obstructions out of the throat, without causing any internal damage.
They’re simple to use and can be a valuable addition to your choking first aid preparedness without any prior training needed. It’s always a good idea to have more options that enhance safety for you and your baby.