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Introduction: Traumatic injuries in pregnant women are the leading cause of non-obstetric death and affect 6% to 8% of all pregnancies. Therefore, it is imperative to maintain updated guidelines to construct a framework for the optimal management strategies for traumatic injuries in pregnant women, considering the perspectives of obstetrics/gynecology, emergency medicine, and orthopedics. Methods: To conduct this study, research was done via a database search through the Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine’s research library. PubMed was the sole database used to review 8 peer-reviewed sources. Articles that were published within the last 10 years were chosen. Results: Every woman with significant traumatic injuries must have pregnancy ruled out given its unique physiologic characteristics. First responders gather history surrounding fetal movement, contractions, and vaginal bleeding. Stabilization includes fetal monitoring, fluid resuscitation, blood transfusions, and maternal repositioning. Laboratory studies and diagnostic imaging (ultrasound) do not harm the mother or baby and reflect fetal status. Sometimes, emergency cesarean delivery (≤ 5 minutes of arrest) is indicated. There are some reports of fetal survival and maternal benefit beyond 15 minutes of arrest. Domestic violence is the most common trauma mechanism for pregnant women and triggers several obstetric complications (fetal loss, pre-term delivery, and placental abruption). Conclusion: Adverse outcomes of pregnancy happen more frequently following trauma. Non-emergent trauma may be managed conservatively, delaying treatment until after delivery. Surgical positioning, medication administration, and diagnostic imaging determine the best outcomes for the mother and child.
Thompson et al. (Thu,) studied this question.