Injuries in a pregnant trauma patient are generally treated similarly to non-pregnant trauma patient injuries. Most medications that are used routinely in trauma management can be safely given to pregnant patients. Table 4 lists some of the medications commonly used in trauma care and some of the important considerations with pregnant patients.



All Rh-negative patients should receive a dose of RhIG to prevent maternal sensitization to fetal antigens. This dose is 50 mIU (international units) intramuscularly if given prior to 12 weeks and 300 mIU after 12 weeks.^5,15

In most cases, an obstetrician should be consulted early in the management of the pregnant trauma patient to assist in management of potential pregnancy-related complications. If there is evidence of fetal distress on the monitor, the patient may require an emergency cesarean section. In the setting of preterm labor, tocolysis may be appropriate depending on the gestational age. Terbutaline (0.25 mg given subcutaneously) is a first-line treatment. Intravenous magnesium is also used. Corticosteroids should be given if the patient is between 24 and 34 weeks to promote fetal lung maturity if delivery seems probable. Table 5 lists the doses of drugs used in the management of preterm labor.

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