Maternal Trauma Emergencies: What Changes in the Pregnant Patient

Pregnancy can make even experienced clinicians second-guess decisions. Can you image the patient? Can you cardiovert? Should the trauma assessment change? And at what point does the fetus become part of the resuscitation?Will talks with maternal-fetal medicine physician Dr. Johanna Quist-Nelson about what matters when caring for a pregnant trauma patient, where fetal assessment fits into the trauma survey, how pregnancy changes positioning and oxygenation goals, why necessary diagnostic imaging should not be withheld, and what clinicians should understand about maternal cardiac arrest and resuscitative hysterotomy. She also addresses the emotional impact these rare, high-stakes cases can have on families.In this episode, you’ll learn:

Why bleeding may be an important clue after trauma even when the pregnant patient appears stable

How lateral uterine displacement can improve venous return without compromising chest compressions

Why an unstable arrhythmia in pregnancy should not automatically delay electrical cardioversion

What a low fibrinogen level can signal differently in a pregnant trauma patient

Resources:Want more? Sign up for our weekly newsletter, The Confidence Dispatch.Want individualized coaching and mentorship? Check out The Loud & Clear Fellowship.Just have a question and want some personalized help? Book a free coaching call with us.MomBaby.orgUNC Center for Maternal and Infant Health Perinatal Emergency ChecklistsGuests:Dr. Johanna Quist-Nelson, maternal-fetal medicine physician