Safety of Procedural Sedation in Pregnancy

Abstract

Minor traumatic injuries are common during pregnancy and often necessitate painful diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Pregnant women experiencing significant pain, distress, or anxiety may benefit from procedural sedation in the emergency department. This review examines the fetal safety profiles of specific drugs commonly used for procedural sedation. Traumatic injuries affect approximately 6–7% of all pregnant women with the majority of cases involving minor injuries such as fractures, sprains, or open wounds. Management of these painful conditions may require local anesthesia or procedural sedation. Additionally, routine procedures during pregnancy—such as dental interventions and gastrointestinal endoscopies— may also necessitate sedation.