What is the first step in management for a pregnant woman who has been in a significant car accident?

In the context of managing a pregnant woman who has experienced a significant car accident, obtaining the patient's history is crucial. This initial step allows the healthcare provider to gather vital information about the circumstances of the accident, the woman's current state, and any potential risks to both her and the fetus. Understanding the mechanism of injury, the time since the accident, and any immediate symptoms she might be experiencing is foundational in guiding further assessment and management.

After obtaining the history, it becomes easier to determine what other steps are necessary, such as whether to check the fetal heart rate, assess for signs of labor, or perform a full abdominal exam. These subsequent steps depend heavily on the information gathered during the history-taking phase. Therefore, this prioritization of acquiring patient history ensures that all future assessments are contextually informed and appropriately focused on the patient's needs and the safety of the fetus.