This was an interesting question that was recently asked, which we thought we would share with you.
Are pregnant Women more likely to choke?
Well as the pregnancy develops, things get moved around in the abdominal cavity. The baby’s taking up all this room, so it’s pushing downward on the bladder, it’s pushing upward on the stomach and on the lungs. It is pushing up on the diaphragm, so the pregnant person can not take as big a breath as before the pregnancy. Because it’s compressing the stomach she can’t eat as much, and she eats more often, so pregnant females are more likely to choke.
Choking Process on Pregnant Person
- Well first of all ask them if they are choking with the question “Are you choking”. If YES …..
- Then give Back Blows. Give up to 5 blows between the shoulder blades with the heel of your hand.
- If the pregnant lady is still choking, give 5 chest thrusts (instead of abdominal thrusts which is what you’d do to a non pregnant adult) . Chest thrusts for a conscious adult are like abdominal thrusts, except for the placement of your hands. For chest thrusts, place your fist against the center of the person’s breastbone. Then grab your fist with your other hand and give quick thrusts into the chest
If they are still choking repeat step 2 and 3 until the object becomes dislodged and they can breath normally. If they are still choking and lose consciousness call for emergency services (999) and start CPR.
The pregnant person should be checked out by their doctor or a call to 111 if ANY back slaps or chest thrusts have been undertaken.
To learn more about choking and other First Aid, book onto one of our First Aid training courses
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