Chapter 8 - Recovery from intensive care and the next pregnancy

Summary

The long-term outcome of intensive care unit (ICU)-acquired weakness has far-reaching consequences for the patient. Healthy postpartum women are at increased risk of postpartum depression. The treatment of postpartum depression has a biopsychosocial basis. It is important to recognize women at risk for the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and certain measures can be taken to reduce the risk of developing it. In order to help the obstetric patient to recover fully from ICU and enable her to have a good quality of life, measures must be taken to prevent cognitive impairment and delirium. Fertility and pregnancy after recovery from critical illness presents a challenge because of the limited data on which to base counseling. Counseling should address any risks to the pregnancy that might result from the inciting event or condition as well as any new risks resulting from sequelae.