Blunt Trauma During Pregnancy

Trauma Care and Managing the Injured Pregnant Patient

“…Because the uterus changes location of the abdominal contents, transmission of energy is altered and the injury pattern is different. Due to the increase vascularity during pregnancy there is a significant increase in splenic and retroperitoneal injury (Knudson et al, 2004; Scorpio, Esposito, Smith, & Gens, 1992). Up to 25% of pregnant women with severe blunt trauma present with hemodynamic compromise secondarily to significant hepatic or splenic injury.…”

“…Most cases of fetal injury occur in late pregnancy when there is thinning of the uterine wall and diminished amniotic fluid. The most common mechanism is that of fetal brain and skull injury that is much more common when fetal engagement has occurred and is associated with maternal pelvic fractures (Dahmus & Sibai, 1993; Scorpio et al, 1992; Tyroch, Kaups, Rohan, Song, & Beingesser, 1999).…”