Postpartum Cardiac Arrest
Module 9: Postpartum Cardiac Arrest

Most anatomic and physiologic changes of pregnancy will persist for 8–12 weeks following delivery; therefore, a person’s risk for significant morbidity and mortality during pregnancy extends into the postpartum period (up to 42 days postpartum). Most maternal deaths (53%) occur between 7 days and one year postpartum.


Continuous care is vital throughout the first year after delivery—some pregnancy associated conditions can persist well into one year postpartum. Unfortunately, only 40% of those who give birth in the U.S. attend a postpartum visit, contributing to increased risk for maternal morbidity and mortality. To address this problem, in 2019 the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommended improving postpartum care in the “fourth trimester,” including an early postpartum (within 1–3 weeks) and a late postpartum (up to 12 weeks) visit.