ABSTRACT
This chapter provides the learner with a background on maternal cardiac arrest (MCA), and introduces maternal mortality trends in the United States (US). It discusses the epidemiology of MCA, and describes severe maternal mortality episodes and the importance of understanding how bias impacts patient care. The chapter describes the relationship between severe maternal morbidity and maternal death, and the primary demographic risk factors for MCA and death. It also discusses the potential role of implicit bias in reducing healthcare equity for all people, and explains current strategies being used to prevent MCA and death in the US Managing MCA demands simultaneous coordination of appropriate interventions, teamwork, clear communication, and confidence. The variation and inconsistencies of how information is collected make it challenging to assess the true prevalence of MCA. MCA is the final common pathway for many critical illnesses and comorbidities, like the ones that lead to maternal mortality.
