Cardiopulmonary complications of pregnancy.

OBJECTIVES To provide an up-to-date review of the literature on the assessment and management of pulmonary and cardiac conditions that may affect women during pregnancy and the postpartum period. DESIGN A review of the current literature was performed. RESULTS Pregnancy may be complicated by a variety of pregnancy-specific and other cardiopulmonary complications. Management requires knowledge of the cardiopulmonary physiologic changes occurring in pregnancy, the pregnancy-specific conditions that may occur, and the effect of a fetus on maternal care. CONCLUSIONS Admission of the pregnant or postpartum woman to the intensive care unit is uncommon but may require specialized knowledge for successful management.