Pregnancy And Car Accidents
Motor vehicle accidents are one of the biggest threats to pregnant mothers and their unborn children. Regardless of how far along you are in your pregnancy, make sure you see a doctor as soon as possible after a car accident. Even if you feel fine after your accident, ensure you see a doctor because some injuries are not easily detectable.
A pregnant woman in a motor vehicle accident can sustain injuries such as;
- Brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Whiplash
Sadly, motor vehicle accidents not only pose a risk to pregnant mothers but also their unborn children. Below are some common injuries that can result from a motor vehicle accident and harm an unborn child;
Placental Abruption
This is one of the most common types of pregnancy-related injuries that can result from motor vehicle accidents. When placental abruption occurs when the placenta disengages with the uterus wall. Damage to the placenta can result in the restriction of blood and oxygen flow to the unborn baby.
Injuries to the Uterus
A car accident can cause the uterus to rupture. Uterine rupture occurs when the wall of the uterus lining ruptures or tears during pregnancy. Once the uterine ruptures, a baby begins losing oxygen and must be delivered immediately to avoid permanent injury or, worse, death.
In a car accident, an injury to the uterine can occur because of pressure from a seat belt or deployed airbag. A uterine injury can also occur if a pregnant mother is not wearing a seat belt if the steering wheel or dashboard impacts their stomach.
Direct Injuries to the Unborn Child
Sometimes, an unborn child may suffer injuries directly as opposed to suffering injuries through their mother. Often, when an unborn child sustains a direct injury in a motor vehicle accident, they sustain a head injury. This is because of the position of the baby in the mother’s womb that makes the baby’s head a big target in an auto accident.
How To Tell if a Pregnant Mother or Unborn Child Has Suffered Injuries in a Car Accident
Some common signs that indicate a pregnant woman or their unborn child has suffered injuries in an accident include:
- Vaginal bleeding
- Uterine contractions
- Changes in the baby’s movements
- Abdominal pain
- Back pain
- Painful or urgent urination
- Swelling
- Loss of consciousness
It is crucial to note that some symptoms don’t show up immediately after an accident.
Should You Wear a Seat Belt if You Are Pregnant?
Although seat belts could cause injury to a mother and/or an unborn child, the NHTSA recommends buckling up through all the stages of pregnancy. Just make sure you always wear your seat belt correctly. Even if your vehicle has airbags, the NHTSA advises that you wear your seat belt properly.
Legal Help Is Available
There are legal options available for pregnant mothers who suffer harm or whose unborn children suffer harm in motor vehicle accidents because of other people’s negligence. If you are unsure of your next steps, you can seek legal advice from our Jacksonville personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Miami, Tampa, Orlando, Fort Myers, Fort Lauderdale, Ocala, Daytona Beach, West Palm Beach, and Bradenton areas.