EM Trauma 16: Pregnants

Question 1

Remarks in trauma in pregnancy

Answer 1

Trauma is the leading cause of non-obstetric-related morbidity and mortality in pregnant women

Question 2

Most common cause of fetal death

Answer 2

Maternal death

Question 3

2nd most common cause of fetal death

Answer 3

Placental abruption

Question 4

Remarks on placental abruption

Answer 4

1. Even minor maternal injuries have been associated with placental abruption and sudden fetal demise.
2. Placental abruption may lead to the introduction of placental products into the maternal circulation, stimulating DIC or amniotic fluid embolism

Question 5

Remarks on fetal viability

Answer 5

A fetus is considered viable at 22 to 24 weeks of gestation or a weight of 500 grams

Question 6

Remarks on fetal survival

Answer 6

Fetal survival is dependent on maternal survival.
Therefore, resuscitation of the mother always takes priority.
Maternal resuscitation is the best fetal resuscitation.

Question 7

The uterine fundus reaches the level of pubic symphysis at

Answer 7

12 weeks of gestation
After 12 weeks, the uterus becomes an intra-abdominal organ.
By week 20, the uterus has reached the umbilicus and continues to grows approx 1 cm beyond the umbilicus per each additional week of gestation.