Inappropriate cricoid pressure can obstruct the airway or stimulate vomiting. Early securement of the airway with a cuffed tracheal tube is ideal and in the absence of this, airway difficulties can supervene at any time and convert an effective resuscitation into an unmanageable situation.
Problematic airways occur frequently in obstetrics.
Venous embolic events may be responsible for a large alveolar dead space. The pattern of IPPV may contribute to a complex interplay of multiple pathological factors, such as can occur in cardiopulmonary arrest after major regional block in a parturient. When performing cardiac massage, these can be minimised by carefully placing the hands over the sternum above the xiphoid. When, and if, CS is performed the newborn will need immediate advanced life support. Once the uteroplacental circulation is closed, the SVR will increase and responsiveness to beta agonists may be less blunted.