ABSTRACT
Traumatic injury complicates 6-7% of all pregnancies in the United States. Maternal trauma occurs at all gestational ages and is estimated to impact between 350,000 and 500,000 women yearly, or approximately 1 in 12 pregnancies. This chapter reviews the epidemiology, pathophysiology, mechanisms, and management considerations of traumatic injury during pregnancy. While the majority of maternal trauma exposure is blunt, special mention should be given to penetrating trauma and pertinent considerations in pregnancy. Trauma in pregnancy presents a challenge in management for both the obstetrician and the trauma surgeon. Careful coordination of care, with a team approach toward the mother baby unit and her needs, will aide in improving outcomes for both patients. The time spent in the prevention of traumatic injuries and the assessment of risk for IPV during the course of prenatal care may yield reduced risk for all parties.
