Emergency medicine clinics of North America
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The care of the pregnant patient presenting to the emergency department with labor or delivery complications requires an understanding of signs and symptoms of disease for the maternal and fetal patient. This article reviews management of common labor and delivery complications that may occur in the emergency department. The management of premature labor, premature rupture of the membranes, emergency delivery procedure, resolution of shoulder dystocia, prolapsed umbilical cord, and perimortem cesarean section are discussed.
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The appearance of a pregnant trauma patient is rare even in the busiest of trauma centers. Management of these cases can present difficult challenges. A successful outcome for both mother and child is dependent on an immediate team approach and response involving physician, nursing, and ancillary staff. ⋯ They should be cognizant of the fact that an apparently stable mother may be compensating at the expense of the fetus. Finally, the tenet of what benefits the mother will ultimately benefit the fetus should be adhered to. When these points are kept in mind, the potential for successful outcome and satisfying results is greatest for all parties involved.