Emergency care of the pregnant traumatized patient

In dealing with the traumatized pregnant patient, certain special factors must be kept in mind, as follows: Remember you are dealing with two lives, the mother and her developing fetus. Be aware of the anatomic and physiologic changes that occur during pregnancy and be able to take them into account in treating the injured pregnant patient while using the ABCs of trauma care. Particular emphasis must be placed on prevention of fetal anoxia by maintenance of the mother's respiratory status. Frequent blood gas measurements are required. A careful history of the course of the patient's present and previous gestational history will help the emergency room physician from arriving at erroneous conclusions regarding his patient's vital signs. Use diagnostic tests as indicated, but try to avoid or minimize the use of radiology in favor of ultrasonography. Obstetric consultation should be obtained as quickly as possible for the traumatized pregnant patient to help deal with the special bodily changes involved. Observance of the points covered in this article will bring about improved maternal and fetal survival in the traumatized patient.