ABSTRACT
Trauma is a leading cause of nonobstetric morbidity and mortality in pregnancy and complicates 6–7% of all pregnancies. The specific anatomic and physiologic changes that occur during pregnancy may alter the response to injury and hence necessitate a modified approach to management. Functional residual capacity decreases because of a decline in expiratory reserve and residual volumes. Relative to these changes, the injured pregnant patient poorly tolerates hypoxia; hence, supplemental oxygen should always be placed regardless of saturation. Increased levels of progesterone and estrogen inhibit gastrointestinal motility, intestinal secretion, and nutrient absorption. The most common cause of fetal death is maternal death. A key management principle is to treat the mother first because most medical measures that aid in the resuscitation of the mother will be helpful to the fetus. After the primary survey and stabilization of the patient, diagnostic modalities are used to determine the extent of injuries to the mother and fetus.
