Emergency Medical Resuscitation in Pregnancy with Trauma

Trauma is currently the most common non-obstetric cause of morbidity and mortality during pregnancy. It is estimated that 6-7% of all pregnancies are complicated by significant trauma. This presents a unique situation for the emergency physician. Changes occur throughout pregnancy that can alter the presentation and treatment of injury. Additionally, there are potentially two lives at stake. While stabilization of the mother is the main objective, the life of the fetus must also be considered during the resuscitative measures. Current literature suggests that initial stabilization of the mother provides the best chance for fetal survival. However, minor trauma to the mother may result in significant injury to the fetus. Thus careful fetal monitoring is essential to detect early signs of fetal distress. A collaborative effort involving the emergency physicians and staff along with specialists in trauma surgery, obstetrics and neonatology is essential to ensure the best outcome for both patients.