Points 4,5,6 and 7 should be performed early by an obstetrician. What should be avoided 1. Avoid unnecessary radiation, but pexform all the X-ray s that are necessary to assess the mother's condition rapidly. Avoid a prolonged supine position. Avoid the use of vasopressors when possible, because more blood will shunted from the uteroplacental circulation to the mother's circulation, aggravating the shock status of the fetus.
Ultrasound examination is the preferred method of both assessment of mother and fetus.
Peritoneal lavage can only be used safely and reliably during the first trimester of pregnancy. Avoid damage to the enlarged uterus. The pregnant trauma patient should be approached in the same way as the non-pregnant patient. The best way to treat the second trauma victim, the fetus, is to treat the mother. Several special obstetric problems can occur to both mother and fetus.