1. Temple College EMS Professions
4/24/2017
Trauma In Pregnancy
Temple College
EMS Professions
Temple College EMS Professions

2. Trauma Leading cause of death during pregnancy
MVA’s cause 50% of prenatal mortality
Consider possible pregnancy in any female trauma patient of childbearing age

3. Trauma In Pregnancy
Priorities same as in non-pregnant patient
ABC’s

4. Trauma In Pregnancy
Most common cause of fetal death from trauma is maternal death
What’s good for mom is good for baby!!

5. Alterations In Pregnancy
As pregnancy progresses:
Heart rate increases
Blood pressure decreases
Normal pregnant vital signs mimic hypoperfusion
Assessment more difficult

6. Alterations In Pregnancy
Blood volume increases by 40-50%
30% blood loss may occur before shock signs and symptoms develop
Reversal of hypoperfusion more difficult

7. Alterations In Pregnancy
Blood flow to uterus, placenta can be selectively reduced
Fetus can be in distress while mother appears stable
Adequate resuscitation of mom does NOT ensure adequate resuscitation of baby

8. Alterations In Pregnancy
Uterus can compress inferior vena cava when patient is supine
Decreases cardiac output %
Do NOT put pregnant patients in supine position!

9. Management Airway C-spine control High flow O2 Assist ventilation
3rd trimester O2 demand increases 10-20%
Assist ventilation

10. Management If MAST used, inflate legs only Transport patient:
on left side, or
elevate right side of spine board