A 2022 CDC report suggested that more than 80% of maternal mortalities following MCA could have been prevented. Most of the causes of MCA will result in demonstrable changes in symptoms and vital signs prior to the development of cardiac arrest. This chapter reviews the following:
How vital signs can be used with tools such as maternal early warning systems to assist with detecting the deteriorating maternal status.
Examples of scoring systems that can be integrated into clinical practice for early detection of deteriorating maternal status.
Management strategies and escalation protocols that have been utilized in response to change in status.
How to recognize the presenting symptoms and signs of the most common causes leading to maternal cardiac arrest.
