Being in a car accident is always frightening, but it can be even more devastating for a pregnant woman. A car accident involving a pregnant woman puts not only the woman’s health but also the very life of her unborn baby into danger.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, car accidents are responsible for close to 5,000 fetal deaths and many more complications and fetal injuries each year.
Some studies suggest that a woman’s risk of being in a car accident increase somewhat in the second trimester of pregnancy. Researchers believe that sleep disruptions caused by pregnancy can lead to fatigue and an increased risk of a crash. If a pregnant woman is in a car accident, the risk to her baby is significant. Women may experience:
- Puncture wounds that affect the baby. Pieces of glass or other objects may become airborne in a serious crash and may puncture the abdomen and cause severe or even fatal damage to the unborn child in the uterus.
- Complications that cause the baby to experience lack of oxygen and brain damage. Common complications such as a damaged uterus, bleeding, maternal hypoxia, or a detached placenta can cause this dangerous complication.
- Premature labor. In some cases, being thrown about the inside of a car during an accident or being thrown against a solid surface can cause women to go into premature labor.
- Fetal death. Miscarriage and fetal death can happen if a car accident is severe or a woman’s abdomen is crushed or hit during the crash.
What to Do If You Are Pregnant and Involved In a Car Accident
If you are pregnant and are involved in a car crash, seek medical attention immediately. If there is any chance that you may have hit your stomach or your abdomen during the crash, visit an emergency room. Check for any signs of problems. Lack of fetal movement, bleeding, or any discharge or pain should be taken seriously and treated as an emergency. Even if you don’t have any symptoms and your accident seems minor, get a full medical evaluation.
Even if you get a clean bill of health, make sure that you keep an eye on your symptoms for a few days. In some cases, fetal distress doesn’t show up until hours or even days after the initial accident. Immediately seek medical attention if at any point you develop any concerning symptoms. Keep in mind that after your accident your doctor may see your pregnancy as a higher risk pregnancy and you may need more medical attention for yourself and your child.
If you are pregnant and have been in a car accident caused by someone’s negligence, you deserve justice. Contact Flaxman Law Group at any time to speak with a compassionate and professional team of attorneys who fight on behalf of those who have been injured. Your first insult consultation with us is free of charge and comes with no pressure or obligation.