The Scary Truth: Auto Collisions and Miscarriages

Some drivers fear not only for their own lives in accidents but for those of their unborn children. Pregnant mothers in vehicle collisions have unique needs and require special emergency care. The physical and emotional trauma one can suffer in a crash could lead to miscarriage, pre-term labor, or other aftereffects. As a pregnant woman involved in a car accident in Fort Lauderdale, here’s what to know about potential ramifications and what to do next if you ever have the misfortune of being in an auto accident.

If you are pregnant and have already been in a car accident in South Florida, contact David I. Fuchs, Injury & Accident Lawyer, P.A. to schedule a free initial consultation. (954) 568-3636.

Types of Pregnancy Injuries in a Car Accident

A serious accident while pregnant puts the lives of the mother and baby at risk. Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of fetal death due to maternal trauma. Expecting mothers can also suffer more serious injuries than other people in crashes, including internal hemorrhaging. If the child does survive the incident, he or she could suffer from brain injuries from lack of oxygen or blood. The following are potential outcomes when a pregnant woman gets into a car accident:

• Premature birth. Stress on the mother during a crash can cause her to go into premature labor. Premature birth can cause a wide range of problems in the child, from infections to neurological disorders.
• High-risk pregnancy. If the mother doesn’t go into premature labor, her pregnancy could go into high-risk status, meaning complications (often with the mother’s health) exist that require careful monitoring.
• Fetal trauma. Injuries to the fetus’ body or brain during a car accident can have long-term consequences on the child. An impact to the mother’s abdomen during the crash or lack of oxygen to the mother can cause fetal trauma.
• Miscarriage is a very serious risk for mothers involved in car accidents. If something punctures the stomach and uterus in the accident, it could kill the baby. The mother losing oxygen or going into cardiac arrest can also cause miscarriage, although rarer.

In most cases, the risk of losing the baby in a car accident is relatively low. The risks of fetal injuries or premature birth are much higher. Amniotic fluid protects unborn fetuses in the womb even in car crashes. The steps a woman takes after a car accident can make a big difference in the health outcomes of both mother and child.

Steps to Take After an Auto Accident While Pregnant

After a collision while pregnant, get a medical examination immediately. No matter how far along in your pregnancy, request an ambulance and medical assistance after the crash. Even if the jolt wasn’t severe, it could potentially separate the uterus and the placenta (placental abruption). This could cause hemorrhaging, premature birth, or miscarriage. You might not notice any symptoms, so it’s important to get medical attention to check. Pregnancy complications can arise directly after an accident or even weeks later.

Should you lose your baby because of an auto accident, seek legal help from an attorney. Traumatic miscarriage is heartbreaking and can result in significant mental and emotional anguish. Filing an injury claim against the at-fault driver or other party could result in financial compensation for you, your unborn child, and your family. Talking to a personal injury lawyer can help you feel less alone in your experience