LAUSR

BACKGROUND Severely injured pregnant women are rarely encountered even in major trauma centers; at the same time high expectations are set for the best possible outcome of mother and child. OBJECTIVE Summary of the main pathophysiological aspects of pregnancy and essential therapeutic implications for emergency room treatment from the perspective of anesthetists. METHODOLOGY Selective literature analysis with a focus on primary physiological literature and the synthesis of pregnancy-adapted recommendations of related guidelines. RESULTS The essential physiological adaptations to pregnancy and their implications for acute care are presented. CONCLUSION Teamwork, structured decision making as well as airway management and goal-oriented hemodynamic treatment are the foundations for a good outcome of mother and child.