Airway problems and changing Mallampati score during pregnancy and labor: a systematic review.

ABSTRACT:

Background

During pregnancy, labor, and postpartum, physiological changes such as weight gain, hormonal fluctuations, or fluid retention may cause airway edema and soft tissue swelling. These factors impact Mallampati Classification, a predictive tool to investigate airway. A higher Mallampati class indicates a high-risk obstetric population. This systematic review explores the airway and Mallampati modification during the different pregnancy periods. Understanding the airway changes in pregnancy is critical to safely intubate, avoid adverse outcomes in maternal care and support clinical practice.

Methodology

Research started using five databases, from the beginning to January 2025: Medline, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and ClinicalTrial.go

SUBMITTER: Vastarella MG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12625491 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature