Management of the pregnant trauma patient in the emergency department

This supplement reviews the evidence regarding important considerations in pregnant trauma patients, including the primary and secondary survey as well as the possibility for Rh exposure, placental abruption, uterine rupture, and the need for a prompt perimortem cesarean section in the moribund patient. Because ionizing radiation is a concern in pregnancy, the circumstances in which benefits of testing outweigh risks to the fetus are discussed. Emergency clinicians are encouraged to advocate for trauma prevention, including proper use of safety restraints in motor vehicles and screening for domestic violence, as these measures have been shown to be effective in reducing morbidity and mortality in this patient population. Recommendations for monitoring, admission, discharge, and follow-up are also provided.