Maternal hypothermia from environmental exposure in the third trimester

ABSTRACT

A primigravida at 32 weeks gestation developed hypothermia after prolonged exposure to the elements at -30.0°C. Her core temperature dropped to 29.8°C with associated foetal bradycardia. Passive rewarming was undertaken with forced warm air blankets and warmed IV fluids. The foetal heart rate normalised once normothermia was achieved. Serial foetal assessments showed appropriate growth and normal Doppler studies. She went to on deliver a healthy term infant. This case highlights conservative management and prioritising of maternal well-being with a good maternal and foetal outcome.

KEYWORDS:

• Pregnancy
• hypothermia
• accidental hypothermia
• fetal bradycardia

Acknowledgments

The woman whose story is told in this case report has provided signed permission for its publication.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

The authors have not received any funding or benefits from industry or elsewhere to conduct this study.