Accuracy and Trending Ability of Finger Plethysmographic Cardiac Output Monitoring in Late Pregnancy

Abstract

(Can J Anesth 2022;69:1340–1348) Hemodynamic variation is a well-known part of pregnancy, particularly variation in cardiac output (CO). CO reduction in the third trimester is prominent when a patient is in the supine position and the weight of the pregnancy results in compression of the inferior vena cava (IVC). This is often corrected by a simple shift in position to the left lateral decubitus (LLD). Decreases in CO can have severe consequences for mother and child, particularly in circumstances of postpartum hemorrhage. Therefore, accurate and consistent CO monitoring is important to ensuring the best outcomes for delivery.