Imaging the Pregnant Trauma Patient

Abstract

The most common causes of trauma in pregnancy are motor vehicle crashes and domestic violence. Both major and minor traumas in pregnancy are associated with an increased risk of fetal loss. The pregnant trauma patient is imaged similar to a nonpregnant trauma patient, with radiography, computed tomography, and angiography to evaluate maternal injuries. In the major trauma patient, ultrasound is limited to fast scans in unstable patients and to evaluate the viability of the pregnancy. The most sensitive approach for diagnosing placental abruption is external fetal monitoring. Abnormal fetal heart tones are an indication for emergency cesarean delivery in cases of suspected placental abruption. Ultrasound is often performed to diagnose placental abruption but is falsely negative in 50–80% of cases.