No abstract

Trauma in pregnancy is the leading non-obstetrical cause of maternal death and remains the most common cause of foetal demise. Many diagnostic and management challenges are present when dealing with the injured pregnant patient. Anatomical and physiological variations of pregnancy need to be understood in order to adapt medical management and overcome the numerous challenges which exist for such patients. The relative unfamiliarity of anatomical and physiological changes experienced in pregnancy means great care must be taken when managing such patients, especially in high energy trauma injuries. Review of the available evidence provides an epidemiological understanding for provision of trauma services. Obstetrics in trauma is a relative rare condition in the United Kingdom, however evidence based in the UK regarding the epidemiology is limited. This article also outlines the principle factors for the assessment and treatment of the injured obstetric patients, as well as discussing areas of ongoing uncertainty.

No abstract

The need for prehospital resuscitative hysterotomy/perimortem caesarean section is rare. The procedures can be daunting and clinically challenging for practitioners. Maternal death can be averted by swift and decisive action. This guideline serves to inform prehospital practitioners about conducting maternal resuscitation following cardiac arrest, provides an evidence-based framework to support decision making and highlights areas for improvement in prehospital care.