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Chapter19 trauma in pregnancy
1. International Trauma Life Support
for Emergency Care Providers
CHAPTER
eighth edition
International Trauma Life Support for Emergency Care Providers, Eighth Edition
John Campbell • Alabama Chapter, American College of Emergency Physicians
Trauma in
Pregnancy
19
Key Lecture Points
Cover the general information included in the lecture slides, including the information associated with the various trimesters.
Note should be made that the status of the fetus generally depends on the well-being of the mother. Therefore, if the mother has adequate blood volume, blood pressure, and circulation, then the fetus will do well. Use the quote: “Death of the fetus in the trauma situation is most often associated with the death of the mother.”
Mention that the treatment of shock is the same for pregnant patients as for other patients.
Emphasize that the physiologic changes of pregnancy may cause delay in the diagnosis of the shock state in the mother.
Stress that uterine obstruction of venous blood flow may cause hypotension in the supine patient (“supine hypotension syndrome”), and thus must be prevented by rolling the patient or backboard to the left.
Note that there is an increased rate of fetal demise 2 or 3 days following major trauma to the mother.
Mention that short backboard-type device may be ineffective as an SMR device in the pregnant patient because of the difficulty with adequately securing the straps. This concern also applies to the very obese patient.
Major goals in caring for pregnant trauma are evaluation and stabilization.
All prehospital interventions directed toward optimizing both fetal and maternal outcome.
Optimal care for fetus is appropriate treatment of mother.
Because minor injuries rarely present problems for EMS providers, ITLS focuses on more severe traumatic injuries to pregnant patient.
Leading cause of morbidity and mortality
6–20% of pregnancies are complicated by accidental trauma. Approximately 8% (1 in 12) of those are significant.
MVCs are most common cause (65–70%).
The pregnant patient is often at risk for a higher incidence of accidental trauma.
Increase in fainting spells, hyperventilation, and excess fatigue are commonly associated with early pregnancy.
Physiological changes that affect balance and coordination
IMAGE: Figure 19-1: Anatomy of pregnancy.
Fetus is formed during first 3 months of pregnancy.
The uterus does not enlarge enough to rise out of pelvis until 12th week (3 months), but then fully formed fetus and uterus grow rapidly.
Fundal height reaches umbilicus by fifth month and epigastrium by seventh month.
Fundus is term for top of uterus.
Fundal height is term that describes location of top of uterus.
NOTE: Table 19-1: Assessment of a pregnancy.
Fetus is considered viable at 24 weeks.
Viability increases significantly at 25 weeks gestation. However, pre-term infants have survived with less gestation. True gestational age cannot be determined on-scene.
IMAGE: Table 19-2: Physiologic Changes During Pregnancy.
Respirations are more shallow with less chest expansion.
Pregnant patient presents with rapid shallow respirations.
During pregnancy, dramatic physiological changes occur. The changes that are unique to the pregnant state affect and alter physiological response by both mother and fetus.
More fluid is needed to resuscitate if patient develops shock.
Increase in both red blood cells and plasma with increase of plasma greater than red blood cells.
Appears to be anemic (physiological anemia of pregnancy)
Many women with poor nutrition also have an absolute anemia and are less able to compensate for hemorrhagic shock.
Always assume stomach of a pregnant patient is full. Always guard against vomiting and aspiration.
Normal pregnancy vital signs make early diagnosis of shock more difficult.
Fetus is in distress before maternal blood pressure decreases.
When mother compensates for early shock with vasoconstriction and tachycardia, impact on fetus begins.
Quick review of shock response
Acute blood loss results in decrease in circulating blood volume. Cardiac output decreases as venous return falls. This hypovolemia causes arterial blood pressure to fall, resulting in an inhibition of vagal tone and release of catecholamines. Effect to produce vasoconstriction and tachycardia.
Vasoconstriction profoundly affects uterus.
Reduction in uterine blood flow by 20–30%
Mother can lose 1,500 cc without detectable blood pressure change.
Drop in fetal arterial blood pressure and decrease in fetal heart rate
Reduced fetal circulation results in fetal hypoxemia.
Administer 100% oxygen to mother, and administer oxygen to fetus.
Remember: Normal physiologic changes of pregnancy make assessment more difficult. Changes in appearance and vital signs can be delayed and more subtle. Therefore, Ongoing Exams need to be performed more frequently.
IMAGE: Figure 19-3: Compression of vena cava.
The enlarging uterus can compress inferior vena cava when mother is in supine position, creating a form of mechanical/obstructive shock.
Reduces venous return and cardiac output by up to 30%
Remember: SMR needs to be in an anatomically neutral position specific for each patient to be neutral for spinal cord and airway. Although texts often recommend age ranges (including ITLS), SMR is principle-driven. Appropriate padding should be used for all age groups and situations (elderly, American football shoulder pads, infants, obesity, etc.).
If uterus is up to umbilicus, you should tilt backboard using one of these methods.
Carefully secure backboard when tilting so patient does not flip over onto floor of ambulance.
Have high suspicion with any abdominal trauma.
May not seem significant injury to mother, but can be significant to fetus
Management of maternal injuries is best management of fetus.
Seatbelts need to be worn properly—lap section positioned below the abdomen and over the hips
Head injury is the most common cause of death in pregnant patients involved in MVCs. This is closely followed by uncontrolled hemorrhage.
Maternal pelvic fracture can hold 4 or more liters of blood (uncontrolled hemorrhage) with few clinical signs. Unless there is high index of suspicion and clear understanding of physiologic changes of pregnancy, seriousness of a pelvic fracture can be overlooked.
IMAGE: Figure 19-5: Picture of placental abruption and uterine rupture.
Can have significant occult intrauterine or abdominal bleeding
May not have abdominal tenderness early, even with significant bleeding
Emergency Department evaluation and monitoring is recommended for even minor abdominal trauma during pregnancy.
Gunshot wounds and stabbings are most common injuries encountered.
Definitive care will depend on several factors, involving degree of shock, associated organ injury, and time of gestation.
Large percentage of pregnant women experience domestic violence.
Frequency appears to worsen as pregnancy progresses.
Through second and third trimesters, estimated that 1 in 10 pregnant women experience abuse during pregnancy.
Emergency Department evaluation and monitoring is recommended for even minor abdominal trauma.
Of 2.2 million patients who suffer burn injuries in United States annually, less than 4% are pregnant.
Fluid requirement for pregnant patient is greater than that of nonpregnant.
BSA: Burn Surface Area
CO has a higher affinity for fetal hemoglobin. Maternal levels may actually be lower as the fetus absorbs CO.
Some patients get very little, if any, prenatal care, and even less prenatal education. If situation is not critical, you should not hesitate to educate your pregnant patients.
Due to difficulty in early diagnosis, you should have a low threshold for load-and-go.
Pregnant trauma with serious injuries should be directly transported to facility (trauma center) capable of managing these complex patients.
