If you are in an auto accident while you are pregnant, you should get checked out right away. Even if it was just a fender bender and you feel fine, you need to go to your doctor or the emergency room and make sure you haven’t suffered placental abruption or another injury that can be dangerous for you, your baby, or both of you. Symptoms may not appear for days, and in some cases you may not experience any symptoms even though your baby was injured.
Pregnancy Car Accident Risks
Placental abruption is the separation of the placenta from the inner wall of the uterus. It can be a complete or partial separation. There are many dangers, and it can be life-threatening for both mother and baby. Placental abruption can deprive your baby of nutrients and oxygen and can result in premature birth or stillbirth. In the mother, it can cause heavy bleeding, clotting problems and organ failure.
An average of two to 14 unborn babies die every day from car accidents.
Seat Belts
Seat belts are an obvious concern for pregnant women. Is the seatbelt itself a danger to the baby? If worn improperly, yes. But, if you’re not wearing your seatbelt in a crash, it increases the risk of your baby being stillborn. If you are seriously injured or killed, that can also harm or kill your baby.
The key is to wear your seatbelt the right way. The lap belt should be under your belly, and snuggly across your hips. The shoulder belt goes between your breasts and off to the side of your belly. Repositioning products made for pregnant women are not recommended because they may interfere with the proper functioning of your seatbelt.
If you have been injured in an auto accident while pregnant, you can learn more about your legal rights and compensation that can pay for the additional medical expenses created by your accident by reading Car Accidents Involving Pregnant Women.
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