ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to examine the diagnoses and treatment methods and demographical and clinical characteristics of pregnant women who were exposed to trauma and in additon, review of the literature was carried out in this regard.

One hundred thirty-nine pregnant women who presented at the Yüzüncü Yıl University between January 2006 and September 2009 with local or general body trauma complaints were analysed retrospectively.

The average age of the cases was 26.72±6.29 years and the age group ranging from 21-34 composed the majority. When they were studied according to their etiologies, falls during daily activities formed 43.9%. When they were analyzed in terms of their gestational weeks, 64.46% were in the 3rd trimester. Pregnant cases with trauma resulted in maternal (3 cases) and fetal (9 cases) loss. It was found that 19 cases who had imaging techniques involving radiation and whose gestation was continuing had a problem-free gestation period and healthy children.

It is mandatory to evaluate both mother and fetus together when trauma exposure is in question, the general well-being of the fetus should be provided and the mother should be informed about the presence of advanced trauma life support.

Keywords: Pregnancy, trauma, emergency department, radiation, etiology