If a car accident involves a pregnant mother, there is an increased risk of injury to the fetus. It is critical for expectant mothers to receive medical attention and follow-up care to avoid serious injury to both mother and baby.
The unique risks of pregnant women involved in an accident also include emotional duress and heightened stress levels.
Post-crash injury
A car crash of any nature could impact the healthy development of the unborn child, though the complications could take months to see. Serious aftereffects include internal bleeding, miscarriage, or developing a high-risk pregnancy. Problems also occur during or after birth, with hemorrhaging during childbirth or birth defects occurring in the child. The long-term effects of physical and emotional duress warrant legal representation whenever a pregnant woman is the victim of a car accident.
Post-crash actions
If an accident occurs, it is important to seek medical care right away. Call 911 for emergency care if any of the following occur:
- Pain in the pelvis or belly
- Vaginal bleeding
- Loss of consciousness
- Fluid leaking from the vagina
These additional conditions may take hours, days, weeks or months to develop, which is why scheduling an appointment with your doctor is important at the first sign of concern:
- Swelling in the fingers or face
- Vaginal discharge
- Vaginal spotting or bleeding
- Severe vomiting and pain in the abdomen
- A change in the baby’s movements
- Chills, fever or unrelenting headaches
Both a minor or serious car accident can contribute to the possibility of having a high-risk pregnancy. Report any car accident to your doctor right away.
