Trauma is the leading cause of nonobstetric maternal morbidity and mor
tality in this country. Maternal survival does not guarantee fetal sur
vival, even in cases of apparently minor trauma. The injured pregnant
patient presents unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Physici
ans who make obstetrics or emergency medicine part of their practice m
ust be aware of these unique problems. Prevention of traumatic injury
should remain the focus of office practice.