Citation

Agran PF, Dunkle DE, Winn DG, Kent D. Proc. Am. Assoc. Automot. Med. Annu. Conf. 1986; 30: 285-294.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1986, Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This study represents a series of cases of fetal death secondary to maternal involvement in a motor vehicle collision. During the period 1982- 1985, a total of 9 cases were reported to the County Coroner's Office. In approximately 50% of the cases, other injuries to the victim excluding injuries related to the pregnancy were minor. Evidence of fetal distress was not always apparent at the time of initial medical evaluation. In all cases, placental abruption was documented. The mechanism of injury was generally impact with the steering wheel; none were using a seat belt at the time of the collision. These cases demonstrate the fact that minor maternal trauma without apparent maternal distress may result in fetal demise. The data indicates the need for prolonged continuous fetal monitoring with a history of blunt abdominal trauma for all pregnant women involved in a motor vehicle collision.