Citation

Criddle LM. Am. J. Nurs. 2009; 109(11): 41-47.

Affiliation

Laurelwood Group, Scappoose, OR, USA. lcriddle@gmail.com

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, American Nurses Association, Publisher Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/01.NAJ.0000363352.52097.d5

PMID

19858855

Abstract

Although serious trauma during pregnancy is uncommon, it remains a major cause of maternal and fetal death and presents a variety of patient care challenges. The anatomic and physiologic changes of pregnancy can affect both the nature of an injury and the body's response to it. Here, the author describes the mechanisms of traumatic injury during pregnancy, discusses the normal changes of pregnancy and their implications in the care of pregnant trauma patients, and offers strategies for assessment and treatment.

Language: en