Trauma and Related Surgery in Pregnancy

Traumatic injury complicates 6% to 8% of all pregnancies and is a leading cause of nonobstetric maternal death. Traumatic injuries may increase the risk for fetal death, premature rupture of membranes, uterine rupture, placental abruption, and emergent cesarean delivery. Motor vehicle accidents (MVA) are the most common cause of trauma associated fetal loss. Only 1% of minor MVAs are associated with abruption, whereas 40% to 50% abruption rates are observed in severe blunt trauma. Women who have sustained trauma during pregnancy require a defined period of fetal and maternal monitoring depending upon their signs and symptoms following an accident.

Duke Scholars

Author Haywood Laverne Brown Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maternal Fetal Medicine