About this topic
A traumatic injury is serious. It calls for special doctors to care for the patient. This helps chances of healing. You may also hear this kind of injury called trauma. This kind of injury is even more serious when you are pregnant. Both you and your baby can be hurt. ‚
The injury from trauma may be minor, like cuts or bruises. Other times, it is more severe. A patient may have a brain injury, broken bones, or harm to organs inside the body. When you are pregnant, trauma can cause you to need to deliver your baby early. The patient may need to have surgery right away. Trauma can lead to wounds, deep cuts, and bleeding. A patient may end up with a disability or a deformity after a traumatic injury. Trauma can lead to shock. This can lead to confusion, disoriented feelings and behaviors, and long-term damage. ‚
A person will most often need care right after a traumatic injury. Emergency care may be given at the scene of the accident. Staff will work to make sure the patient is breathing. They will control bleeding and protect the body from any more harm. Then, the patient may be taken to the hospital ER. ‚
At the hospital, the patient will be given urgent medical care. This may include I.V. fluids, emergency surgery, or a blood transfusion. Doctors will also work to make sure the baby is healthy. The staff will work to avoid any more damage. The goal is to help the patient heal fully. ‚
How long it takes for a person to heal from a traumatic injury may vary from person to person. How the baby will do also depends on these same things. They are based on how: ‚
- Serious the injury and disability
- Quickly treatment is given
- The patient responds to treatment
- Far along the pregnancy is
What are the causes?
Trauma may be a result of a car accident or a natural disaster. Trauma may be caused by abuse or a physical attack. Even an accident in the home or sports may cause trauma. ‚
What can make this more likely to happen?
- Young age
- Not using a seatbelt or using it the wrong way
- Use of illegal drugs and alcohol abuse
- Violence and abuse
What are the main signs?
- Vaginal bleeding
- Belly pain and soreness
- Swelling
- Back, pelvic, or chest pain
- Trouble breathing
- Fast heart rate
- Bloody urine
- Rectal bleeding
- Throwing up blood
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Diagnosis will most likely be done in the hospital. The doctor will take your history and do an exam. The doctor will ask about what caused the injury. ‚
Your doctor may: ‚
- Check you:
- Check your airway, breathing, and blood flow
- Check your cervical spine
- Listen to your belly
- Feel your belly for tenderness, cuts, and swelling
- Check your cervix and vagina for cuts, swelling, and bleeding
- Check for rectal bleeding
- Check your baby:
- Feel the movement of your baby inside your belly
- Check your babys heartbeat
- Watch your baby's heartbeat on a monitor for a few hours
- The doctor may order:
- Blood tests
- Ultrasound
- CT scan
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
The doctor will treat your trauma and make a plan for your care. Special doctors may help with the care. This is based on the patients injuries. ‚
During emergency care, the doctor may: ‚
- Do emergency surgery
- Give blood transfusions
- Give a large amount of I.V. fluids
- Give you a drug to start labor
- Deliver your baby early
After emergency treatment, the doctor will plan for long-term care. The patient may be moved to an Intensive Care Unit so staff can watch closely. More care may include drugs and help breathing. Sometimes, special care and other therapy is needed. ‚
Are there other health problems to treat?
- Shock ¢ ˆ ’ Low blood flow all over your body. This is caused by low blood pressure.
- Bleeding ¢ ˆ ’ Rapid blood loss from the injury
- Infection ¢ ˆ ’ When germs enter the site of injury or surgery. An infection can slow healing. It may spread to other parts of the body.
- Blood clots ¢ ˆ ’ Cause block of blood flow to the heart or brain
- Mental and emotional problems ¢ ˆ ’ Changes in your behavior. You may have strong fear, loss of control, worry, and low mood.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder also called PTSD ¢ ˆ ’ Includes memories of the traumatic event and problems coping
What lifestyle changes are needed?
Your lifestyle may be different after a traumatic injury. You may have to limit or change activities. This is based on how severe the injury was. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Fight an infection
- Help start labor if you need to deliver your baby soon
What problems could happen?
- Premature birth
- Infection
- Separation of placenta from the womb (placental abruption)
- Your baby may not be well
- Tearing of the womb (uterine rupture)
- Risk for C-section
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
There are no specific ways to prevent general trauma. But, you can help prevent traumatic events by: ‚
- Always wear a seat belt. Drive safely. Obey speed limits. Do not drink and drive.
- Stay active and work out to keep your muscles strong and flexible.
- Follow special precautions when in high-risk situations, like:
- Handling firearm or guns
- Handling tools that can cause injury
- Avoid activities that may cause falls
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚