Physiologic changes in pregnancy and their impact on critical care

To describe the major pregnancy-induced physiologic changes that affect the care of patients who are critically ill.

We reviewed relevant textbooks and articles pertaining to physiologic alterations produced by pregnancy. Those changes that have a bearing on patients admitted to an intensive care unit were abstracted, summarized, and organized by organ system.

Several organ systems manifest significant change in function during pregnancy. The cardiovascular and pulmonary systems are the two most important with regard to critical care.