TRAUMA DURING PREGNANCY
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), trauma is the leading cause of injury and death among women worldwide, and the leading cause of injury and death among pregnant women. The leading cause of death among unborn babies is the death of the mother. Trauma in pregnant women occurs most often as the result of:
- Motor vehicle accidents - Motor vehicle crashes account for the most injuries to pregnant women. These kinds of injuries tend to be less serious in people who are sitting in the back seat and those wearing seatbelts.
- Domestic violence/assaults - The woman may be punched, shot or stabbed. These kinds of injuries are very dangerous for the unborn baby, positioned as it is within the mother’s prominent midsection.
- Falls - Falls become more common in the second and third trimesters because the weight gain and change in the center of gravity make a woman less steady on her feet when walking.
- Burns (fire and electrical) - Whether or not a burn is fatal depends on how deep the burn is, how much of the body is burned and what parts of the body are burned. Burns on the face or chest are the most likely to lead to death.
The most common fatal injuries among pregnant women are:
- bleeding
- shock, lack of blood flow to important organs
- head and neck injuries
- respiratory failure.
Unborn babies die most often because of:
- The mother dies before the baby can be delivered.
- The mother's uterus ruptures, depriving the baby of oxygen and nourishment.
- The placenta separates from the uterus, depriving the baby of oxygen and nourishment.
- The mother suffers a head injury, goes into a coma and the baby dies from lack of oxygen.
- The mother goes into shock from hemorrhage (severe bleeding), depriving the baby of oxygen.
- The mother has serious medical problems such as high blood pressure or heart disease that result in the baby's death.
WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR TRAUMAL DURING PREGNANCY
Call 911 Now (you may need an ambulance) If
- You are in a car accident, even if you think you and the baby are not hurt.
- You are the victim of a domestic assault.
- You are injured by a blow to your head or abdomen.
- You are seriously burned.
- You have vaginal bleeding following a car accident, an assault or a fall.
- You think you may have a broken bone in your face, ribs, arms or legs following a car accident, assault or fall.
Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If
If, following a car accident, fall or assault:
- You have uterine contractions.
- You think the baby is not moving or is moving less than before.
- You are leaking fluid from your vagina.
- You have pain and stiffness in your neck.
- You have a severe headache.
- You have blurred or double vision.
Call Your Doctor During Regular Office Hours If
- You need prescription pain medication.
- You discover other areas of concern on your body that may be a result of the accident, fall or assault.
- You feel you need a referral to a specialist.
- You think you need something further, such as a neck brace, for your injuries.
HOME CARE ADVICE FOR TRAUMA DURING PREGNANCY
- For any area of bruising or swelling, apply ice packs for 15 minutes at a time, four times a day for 24 to 48 hours. Then, apply warm compresses for 15 minutes at a time, four times a day until your injuries improve.
- Take nonprescription medication such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) for minor pain. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), and naproxen (Aleve) may be taken up to 28 weeks of pregnancy but are not recommended after that time because they may be harmful to the baby. Pregnant women should avoid taking aspirin because it can contribute to bleeding and also because it can cause stomach upset.
- When lying down, lie on your left side to avoid compressing the major blood vessels on the right side of your abdomen that the baby needs to get oxygen and nourishment.
- Try to have someone stay with you the first couple of days after your injury in case you need help and cannot help yourself.
PREVENTING INJURY
- Report any domestic violence to the police or other law enforcement agency. If your safety and that of your unborn baby makes it advisable, move in with family or friends or relocate to a women’s shelter.
- When driving or riding in a motor vehicle, always wear a seat belt and wear it correctly. The seat belt straps should never go directly across your abdomen.
- If you are a passenger, sit in the back seat.
- Drive safely and defensively.
- Do not talk on your cell phone while driving.
- If your car has an air bag, sit as far away from it as possible.
- To prevent falls, avoid wearing high heels, especially in the second and third trimesters.
- Avoid walking in and around slippery areas.
- Avoid building fires or using propane tanks, heaters and stoves you have to light.
- Avoid tampering with electrical appliances and outlets.
- Avoid sports or activities that could put you or the baby at risk, such as downhill skiing or riding motorcycles.
For More Information Click on the Links Below
- familydoctor.org Trauma During Pregnancy
References
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Educational Bulletin, Number 251, September 1998; Obstetric Aspects of Trauma Management.
- Guidelines for Perinatal Care, Fourth Edition, Page 138, 1997 Trauma During Pregnancy, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American Academy of Pediatrics.
- Clinical Resource Trauma During Pregnancy, Carla J. Tweddale BSN, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC, March 2006.
- Trauma in the Pregnant Patient, Krzyszlof M. Kuczkowski, MD, Dept of Anesthesiology and Reproductive Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, April 2004.
Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new healthcare information becomes available. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional