What precautions should you take when assisting a pregnant passenger with a medical emergency?

• A. Monitor pregnancy-related symptoms, avoid lying flat unless advised, and seek medical help.
• B. Lie flat to ease breathing.
• C. Ignore pregnancy and proceed as usual.
• D. Administer sedation.

Answer: (A)

In a medical emergency involving a pregnant passenger, the priority is to protect both mother and baby by careful assessment, safe positioning, and prompt medical help. Start by monitoring pregnancy-related symptoms so you can detect signs of trouble early. Watch for vaginal bleeding, contractions, dizziness or fainting, chest pain, shortness of breath, severe headache, or swelling. Noting these signs helps you decide how urgently medical care is needed and what to tell responders.

Positioning is important because lying flat can reduce blood flow to both mother and fetus in late pregnancy. The uterus can press on major blood vessels, making dizziness worse and potentially lowering oxygen delivery. Unless a clinician has advised otherwise, keep her in a comfortable seated position or on her left side, which improves blood flow to the uterus and helps with breathing. If she becomes faint or short of breath, adjust to a semi-reclined position to aid comfort and circulation.

Seek medical help right away by coordinating with on-board medical professionals and arranging for any needed diversion or emergency services. Provide clear information about her pregnancy status, current symptoms, and any relevant medical history you have.

Do not give sedatives or other medications without explicit medical direction, and avoid treating her as you would a nonpregnant passenger if there are pregnancy-related concerns.