Maternity Considerations

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Maternity considerations

-       Are at an increased risk for placental abruption and cesarean delivery

-       Complications include: maternal death, fetal death, uterine rupture, or abruption, prenatal injury,

-       Assessment:

o   Primary assessment of mother: it is important to stabilize the mother first and then turn attention to the pregnancy and fetus.

o   Primary assessment includes: ABCDE

§  A-airway: immobilize the cervical spine, clear obstruction or secretions, maintain neutral head position, use laryngeal mask airway or endotracheal tube if needed.

§  B-breathing: check respiratory rate and effort, supply supplemental oxygen in most cases.

§  C-circulation: assess pulse

§  D:disability:  report alterness.

§  Expose the patient: remove all clothing; inspect the entire body for wounds or ecchymoses.

o   Secondary assessment: after stabilization (victim stabilization should be done in side-lying position on left side to prevent compromised circulation to the fetus), evaluate for specific maternal injuries and assess fetal well-being.

-       If the mother is unstable and the fetus is greater than 20 weeks old, preterm delivery may be considered. 

For Full Chapter: 

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