Trauma in Pregnancy: A Comprehensive Approach to the Mother and Fetus

Abstract

Trauma is a significant contributor to maternal and fetal morbidity and death in the United States. The nature of the evaluation of the pregnant trauma patient is intense and multidisciplinary. Although it invites unique opportunities for collaboration with our surgical colleagues, it also increases the risk of misunderstanding and conflict. We present in this Viewpoint a standardized fetal trauma survey that seamlessly integrates with Advanced Trauma Life Support (American College of Surgeons, Chicago, IL) in an effort to create a more reliable and collaborative experience in the trauma room.

Keywords: checklist; fetal focused assessment with sonography for trauma (FAST); trauma.