What should be done to relieve pressure on the large blood vessels when performing CPR on a pregnant woman?

Relieving pressure on the large blood vessels is crucial when performing CPR on a pregnant woman, particularly to avoid impairing blood flow to the heart and brain. Performing manual lateral uterine displacement is important because it shifts the uterus to the left side, which alleviates pressure on the inferior vena cava and aorta. This maneuver helps maintain adequate blood circulation during resuscitation efforts, enhancing the chances of survival for both the mother and the fetus.

Other techniques, such as stopping compressions, checking for responsiveness, or moving the woman to a sitting position, do not specifically address the need to relieve pressure from the blood vessels. Stopping compressions can interrupt blood flow to vital organs, checking for responsiveness is important but does not assist with the pressure issue, and moving to a sitting position may not effectively reduce pressure on the major blood vessels as lateral displacement does. Thus, manual lateral uterine displacement is the targeted approach to support effective CPR in this unique scenario.