If you are involved in a car accident while you are pregnant, you have some unique issues to address immediately. You likely have serious concerns about the health and well-being of your unborn child after the collision.
It is critical to seek medical attention immediately after a car accident if you are pregnant. If possible, be sure that emergency personnel knows that you are pregnant so your child can be examined closely for potential problems as soon as possible.
Your Body and Car Accidents While Pregnant
Car accidents can cause serious injuries to your child and birth complications. However, your body is specifically designed to protect your baby in the event of an impact. In particular, the amniotic fluid in your womb will often protection your baby and the placenta in collisions. However, your body has limits that are certainly tested in an accident. Be sure to get medical attention even if the accident seems like it is just a minor fender bender.
Getting Medical Attention
The emergency room doctor will do a thorough check for injuries. Usually, he or she will use an ultrasound to ensure that your baby and the placenta have not suffered any damage after the accident.
Placental abruption can cause serious birth complications and may force you into early labor. A sudden jolt can cause the placenta to separate from the uterus. Premature delivery, miscarriage, and heavy bleeding are all potential side effects from this type of serious injury. Even if you do not have any symptoms, it is a good idea to get an ultrasound.
The hospital may keep you for observation if you experience any bleeding or contractions. Even after they release you to go home, you should be on the lookout for signs and symptoms of potential problems. These may include:
- Leaking fluid
- Additional vaginal bleeding
- Fainting
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
- Abdominal pain
- A decrease in the baby’s movement
When in doubt, head to the doctor. You do not want to risk the health of you or your child after a car accident.
Unique Risks for Pregnant Women
In addition to the potential physical harm that a woman or her unborn child may endure after an accident, expectant mothers also have other unique risks. For example, a car crash may make your otherwise healthy pregnancy now a “high risk” pregnancy for a variety of reasons that resulted from the accident. High-risk pregnancies may lead to complications during, before, and after the birthing process. The complications can affect both the mother than the child.
Women who have been through car accidents while pregnant also have to deal with the emotional aftereffects of an accident. Stress and emotional duress often result after any accident, but it can affect pregnant women differently in that it could cause problems that harm their pregnancy.
If you have been involved in an accident while carrying a child and it resulted in injuries to you or your child, you may have legal options. Our team will be able to help explain these options to you and recommend what your next steps should be. Give us a call today.
