Prone Positioning in a Pregnant Woman With Severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: A Case Report

Introduction Prone ventilation is a standard treatment for acute respiratory distress syndrome, and its clinical benefits are well established. However, implementing prone positioning safely and effectively is challenging in patients who are pregnant, have intra-abdominal hypertension, or are in other high-risk groups. Clinical Findings and Diagnosis A patient in the third trimester of pregnancy (28 weeks and 6 days of gestation) developed a body temperature of 39 °C and severe respiratory distress. She was transferred to the intensive care unit, received noninvasive ventilation, and ultimately underwent endotracheal intubation. Because her oxygenation index remained below 100, she received a diagnosis of severe acute respiratory distress syndrome. Interventions The patient was safely placed in the prone position with a swim ring while receiving venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. During this period, her intra-abdominal pressure did not increase significantly. Outcomes The fetus was delivered by cesarean birth, and the patient was transferred to the general ward after extubation. Conclusion This case report describes the use of prone positioning in a pregnant patient. The report offers critical care nurses insights into the clinical management of patients who are pregnant or have intra-abdominal hypertension.