Diagnosis and management of abdominal gunshot wounds during pregnancy

The literature on gunshot wounds of the gravid uterus is reviewed, and three new cases reported. Clinical management is discussed, with emphasis on the condition of the abdominal wall and other connective tissue during pregnancy, the contraindications for paracentesis, the changes during pregnancy in blood volume, central venous pressure, white blood count, and GI and GU tracts, and indications for celiotomy or cesarean section.