Frequency, type of trauma, and complications in pregnant women due to traffic accidents: A multi-center study in three high complexity institutions in Medellín between 2010 and 2017

Abstract

Introduction: The high frequency of traffic accidents poses a challenge for healthcare institutions when pregnant women are involved, due to their increased vulnerability to injuries and complications that jeopardize the viability of the pregnancy and the fetus. Objective: To determine the frequency and describe the characteristics of trauma in pregnant women involved in traffic accidents admitted to three high-complexity obstetric institutions in Medellín, Colombia. Methods: Cross-sectional, descriptive, and retrospective study conducted on pregnant women who received care due to traffic accidents in three obstetric referral centers between 2010 and 2017 in Medellín, Colombia. Summary measures of gestational data, trauma, and complications were obtained from the medical records. Results: A total of 125 pregnant women were identified, with 48% in the second trimester. The most frequent means of transportation and role were car and passenger, respectively. Contusions were the most common type of trauma. Generalized musculoskeletal pain was reported by 35.5% of the women. Vaginal bleeding occurred in 4.8% of cases, uterine activity in 2.4%, and there was one preterm delivery, one abortion, and no maternal deaths. The most common post-trauma obstetric complications were vaginal bleeding in the first and second trimesters and uterine activity in the third trimester. Conclusions: Trauma from traffic accidents can endanger the lives of both the mother and the fetus. Obstetric implications vary according to the gestational trimester. Providing guidance on road safety and prioritizing immediate medical evaluation would enable timely management of pregnant women and minimize adverse outcomes in this event.

Keywords

• accidents traffic
• pregnancy
• pregnancy maintenance
• wounds and injuries