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Placental abruption after trauma — DipIMC MCQ

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HardPaediatric and Obstetric EmergenciesPlacental abruption after traumaDipIMC

A 30-year-old at 30 weeks' gestation is a restrained passenger in a collision. She has abdominal pain, a tense tender uterus, vaginal bleeding, pulse 120/min and systolic blood pressure 100 mmHg. What is the most appropriate transport decision?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: B — Transfer urgently to an obstetric-capable major trauma centre

Painful bleeding with uterine tenderness after trauma suggests placental abruption, which threatens both mother and fetus. Maternal stabilisation and urgent transfer to combined obstetric and trauma capability are needed. Fetal monitoring should not delay transport from scene.

Reference: JRCALC maternity guidance; NICE NG39 Major trauma