Trauma affects an estimated 8% of all pregnancies and is the leading cause of non-obstetric maternal morbidity and mortality. Pregnancy can complicate the evaluation of a trauma patient, and we must be aware of the normal anatomic and physiologic changes that occur during pregnancy, as well as the adjustments that must be made to our trauma algorithm. This post will review the keys to managing a pregnant trauma patient, as well as injuries and interventions specific to pregnancy…
Read MoreA 36 year-old female presented with the acute onset of abdominal pain and sweating. She had taken multiple home pregnancy tests, all of which were positive, and then experienced a bout of severe dizziness. On physical exam, she was very pale, and had a flat, but tender abdomen. Soon after arrival, the patient became unresponsive, but was still breathing with rapid pulses. She was placed in reverse trendelenburg, and multiple attempts were made to get an automated blood pressure reading with no luck. Finally, a manual blood pressure of 70/58 was obtained. Fluid resuscitation was initiated and bedside ultrasound was performed…
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