Cesarean delivery in critically ill pregnant women, especially outside the operating room, is a rare but high-risk situation for both mother and fetus. These patients often suffer from severe conditions (hypertensive disorders, hemorrhage, respiratory failure, infection, or trauma) and may require emergency cesarean in the ICU, emergency department, or prehospital setting.
They frequently need advanced organ support and face higher rates of complications, prolonged ICU stay, and maternal mortality. Non-OR environments also create challenges in sterility, coordination, and management. Neonatal outcomes are often impaired by iatrogenic prematurity.
Current evidence is limited. A large nationwide registry is needed to better describe outcomes and support future protocols and recommendations.