Ministry of Health

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 Published: 28/11/2011

Pregnant Trauma Patients

Pregnant trauma patients require special consideration because of the anatomic and physiologic changes that occur in pregnancy and the fact that 2 patients are being treated (mother and fetus). In general, the best treatment for the fetus is the provision of optimal resuscitation of the mother.

· In late pregnancy, displace the uterus to the left (e.g. by elevating the right hip with a towel or pillow) to avoid IVC compression and hypotension
· Consider the need for anti-D therapy for Rh-negative patients
· Detect foetal heart sounds using auscultation or doppler
· A obstetrician should be consulted early and asked to attend the patients and provide CTG monitoring when appropriate

Last updated on 28/11/2011