Surgical emergencies in the pregnant patient

The pregnant trauma patient often provides a heightened sense of anxiety for the treatment team. It is important to remember that the initial assessment of these patients, however, re-mains the same. The goal should first be evaluation and treatment of the mother and main-taining hemodynamic stability. This will then provide the best chance for survival of both the mother and fetus. These patients are also best served in a multidisciplinary approach with early involvement of obstetrics and neonatal medicine if applicable.