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Trauma in pregnancy: an updated systematic review
Hector Mendez-Figueroa1, Joshua D Dahlke, Roxanne A Vrees
1Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women and Infants' Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI.
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
|January 22, 2013
Summary
Trauma during pregnancy, often caused by domestic violence or car accidents, requires prioritizing maternal stabilization. Safe evaluation and treatment are crucial, avoiding underdiagnosis due to fetal concerns.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Trauma Surgery
- Public Health
Background:
- Trauma is a significant concern during pregnancy.
- Understanding prevalence, risk factors, and complications is vital for maternal and fetal outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent data on trauma in pregnancy.
- To identify predominant causes, risk factors, complications, and management strategies.
Main Methods:
- PubMed database search from 1990-2012 using "trauma" and "pregnancy" keywords.
- Inclusion of population-based and prospective studies; case reports used sparingly.
- Review of 1164 abstracts, with 225 studies meeting inclusion criteria.
Main Results:
- Domestic violence and motor vehicle crashes are leading causes of trauma in pregnant individuals.
- Management prioritizes maternal stabilization, with minor trauma often manageable with simple diagnostics.
- Pregnancy should not impede timely diagnosis or treatment of trauma.
Conclusions:
- Maternal stabilization is key in managing trauma during pregnancy.
- Further research is needed for optimal, cost-effective management strategies.
- Fear of fetal effects should not lead to underdiagnosis or undertreatment.
