Obstetric Critical Care

This chapter is intended to review content that is seen less often on an examination but that still may be pertinent for every intensivist. Obstetric critical care questions are usually integrated into broader surgical and infectious topics, and the goal of this chapter is specifically to cover this content with detail in lieu of having it show up as “grab bag” questions in other topical chapters (although this occurs as well). Nonetheless, questions on these topics should be expected on the examination and are common pitfalls for those undergoing certification. Obstetric patients may be admitted to any ICU that cares for surgical patients and as this population has a unique set of clinical needs and presenting pathology. Knowledge of the content in this chapter has practical implications for patient care and is justifiably covered in the certification exam.