Most authors agree that any pregnant trauma patient with significant injuries or with a major mechanism of injury should be admitted to the hospital for further monitoring and treatment of her injuries. Even minor trauma may result in a placental abruption, and patients with any abdominal trauma should be monitored for a minimum of 4-6 hours. After this time period, if there have been no uterine contractions, the fetal heart rate tracing is reassuring, and the patient remains asymptomatic, she may be discharged home with instructions to follow up with her obstetrician. Discharge instructions should also include instructions to seek medical care immediately if she develops abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, decreased fetal movement, or any other concerning symptoms.

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