TRAUMA IN PREGNANCY

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.