Abstract
We compared the independent predictive factors for moderate and severe injuries, along with characteristics and outcomes of motor vehicle collisions, between pregnant and non-pregnant women. Using 2001–2015 records from the National Automotive Sampling System/Crashworthiness Data System, we selected 736 pregnant women and 21,874 non-pregnant women having any anatomical injuries. Pregnant women showed less severe collisions, fewer fatalities, and less severe injuries in most body regions than non-pregnant women. In pregnant women, the rate of sustaining abbreviated injury scale (AIS) scores 2+ injuries was higher for the abdomen only. For non-pregnant women, rear seat position, airbag deployment, multiple collisions, rollover, force from the left, and higher collision velocity had a positive influence on the likelihood of AIS 2+ injuries, and seatbelt use and force from the rear had a negative influence. There is a need for further development of passive safety technologies for restraint and active safety features to slow down vehicles and mitigate collisions. The influencing factors identified may be improved by safety education. Therefore, simple and effective interventions by health professionals are required that are tailored to pregnant women.
Highlights
Trauma among pregnant women is common, affecting 1 in 12 pregnancies
We found that the maximum abbreviated injury severity (MAIS) score of pregnant woman involved in an motor vehicle collision (MVC) was the only significant independent predictor of a negative fetal outcome [5]
The MAIS values were significantly higher in non-pregnant women than in pregnant women
Summary
Trauma among pregnant women is common, affecting 1 in 12 pregnancies. Trauma is the leading non-obstetric cause of death among reproductive-age women [1]. For patients involved in MVCs, there are several factors concerning the collision characteristics that influence fetal outcomes. We found that the maximum abbreviated injury severity (MAIS) score of pregnant woman involved in an MVC was the only significant independent predictor of a negative fetal outcome [5]. We examined factors that predict moderate and severe injuries among pregnant women involved in MVCs. The results suggested that airbag deployment and total changes in vehicle velocity at impact positively influenced, and seatbelt use negatively influenced, moderate-to-severe injuries in pregnant women. To prevent moderate and severe injuries in pregnant women, proper seatbelt use and decreased vehicle velocity are considered effective interventions [5]
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