Managing Respiratory Distress in Pregnancy in the Emergency Department

This podcast delivers a high-impact, practical discussion on managing critically ill pregnant patients—an area often outside the daily comfort zone of many pulmonary and critical care physicians. From recognizing subtle red flags like mild hypertension and tachypnea to navigating the complexities of airway management in the third trimester, this episode dives into scenarios you may face in emergent situations. The discussion covers the physiologic pitfalls of intubation, aspiration risks and the value of upright airway positioning, backed by simulation-based training insights. You'll also gain a grounded perspective on the judicious use of point-of-care ultrasound in obstetric emergencies and when to defer to specialists. This episode reinforces core principles and equips you with knowledge to recognize danger early and collaborate effectively under pressure.