Clinical: Trauma In Pregnancy. Flashcards
Where does trauma rank in the leading causes of mortality in pregnancy ?
1!!
It is the leading cause of mortality in pregnancy
What percentage of fatalities in pregnancy are due to Trauma ?
46.3%
Which trimester is associated with more injuries than the other ?
3rd
Most fetal losses are due to which kind of injuries ?
Minor ! (occur more often)
Life threatening trauma is associated with what risk of fetal loss ?
40-50%
What are the two main categories of trauma ?
Blunt
Penetrating
What makes up the majority of blunt traumas seen in pregnancy ?
Motor Vehicle Accidents (70%)
What type of blunt trauma occurs 2nd most often and increases after 20 weeks of gestation ?
Falls
3rd most common blunt trauma seen in pregnancy ?
Domestic Violence
What factor leads to MVA’s having a higher risk of blunt injury ?
Absence or incorrectly wearing a seatbelt
In MVA’s, what is the most common cause of maternal death ? Fetal ?
Head Injury Maternal Shock (80% of fetal death associated with MVA's)
Is direct fetal trauma a common cause of death in pregnancy ?
No (1%)
What can occur in a MVA due to quick deceleration ?
Placental Abbruption (occurs in 30-60% of fetal mortality, 2nd only to maternal shock)
Occurs mainly with MAJOR TRAUMa (only seen in 5% of minor traumas)
How does placental abruption occur ?
Shearing of the inelastic placenta from the elastic myometrium.
Is vaginal bleeding always associated with Placental Abruption ?
No
Often the a complete abruption will lead to concealed bleeding between the myometrium and placenta
If there is bleeding due to abruption what color is it ?
Very dark !
Firm Abdomen, Hypertonicity and Constant Abdominal pain are all signs of ..
placental abruption
What hormone is responsible for ligamentous laxity especially at the hips and may be a cause for increased falls post 20 weeks ?
Relaxin
What is the most common way that women are physically abuse during pregnancy ?
Being kicked or punched.
What is the most common cause of penetrating trauma ?
Gunshot wounds