Trauma during pregnancy]

Mortality due to trauma in pregnancy is not very common in the Netherlands. More often a pregnant woman presents herself for examination after trauma. Blunt trauma is more common in the third trimester. Minor trauma also needs good care, with special attention for solutio placentae. Maternal mortality after penetrating trauma is low because of the protection of vital organs by the uterus. With good treatment the mortality in pregnant trauma patients will not be higher than in nonpregnant patients. A rapid and effective resuscitation of the mother will give the foetus the best chance of survival.