Trauma during pregnancy.

The active roles assumed by most pregnant women today put them at risk for vehicular accidents, falls, industrial accidents, violence, and other injuries. Trauma during pregnancy increases the maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity risks. Knowledge of the physiology of pregnancy is essential to establishing priorities and providing optimum care for the woman and fetus. Assessments and care from trauma and obstetric perspectives are essential; however, treatment priorities for the pregnant trauma patient are the primary consideration and are identical to those for nonpregnant trauma patients. Pregnancy does not limit or restrict any resuscitative, diagnostic, or pharmacologic treatment indicated after trauma. Fetal survival is dependent on maternal survival, so the woman must receive immediate intervention and condition stabilization for optimum fetal outcome.