Can You Use an AED on Someone Who Is Pregnant?
This question came up recently on one of our first aid courses, and it’s one that many people are unsure about:
Can you use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) on someone who is pregnant?
The short answer is yes, you can.
Fortunately, cardiac arrest in pregnancy is rare. However, if it does happen, early CPR and defibrillation give the best chance of survival for both the mother and the baby. According to the Resuscitation Council UK, it is absolutely appropriate to use an AED on someone who is pregnant if cardiac arrest occurs.
How do I use an AED on a pregnant person?
The process is the same as for any other adult:
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Switch on the AED and follow its voice prompts.
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Expose the chest and place the pads as directed.
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Deliver a shock if advised by the AED.
However, there are a couple of important considerations:
Pad placement – Pregnancy can result in enlarged breasts. Ensure you position the AED pads clear of the breast tissue, following the standard placements (one pad below the right collarbone and the other on the left side of the chest).
Do not delay – The priority is to reset the heart and keep oxygen circulating. The faster you use the AED, the better the outcome.
CPR remains vital – Combine AED use with high-quality chest compressions. If help is available, you can also ask a bystander to gently tilt the patient to the left after 20 weeks of pregnancy to relieve pressure on major blood vessels.
Why is this so important?
Sometimes, first aiders worry that using a defibrillator could harm the unborn baby. In reality, the best way to protect the baby is to save the mother’s life. An AED is a vital part of the chain of survival, and prompt action can make all the difference.
At Gain First Aid Training, we want you to feel confident in these situations. AEDs are designed to be easy and safe to use — and they can be lifesaving, even during pregnancy.
If you’d like to refresh your CPR and AED skills, our accredited first aid courses will help you build the knowledge and confidence to act when it really matters.
Gain the skills. Gain the confidence. Gain First Aid Training.