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It’s probably a good thing that your husband couldn’t come with you to your final OBGYN (obstetric and gynecological) appointment before your due date, because you were an emotional wreck. Everything looked good and your baby’s heartbeat was strong, but the overwhelming awareness that you’ll be holding him in your arms within the next few weeks was a lot to absorb. Thankfully, you were able to pull it together long enough to get in your car and make your way to pick your husband up from work—then it happened.
You were making your turn onto Forest Glen from Dameron, when an SUV ran the light and collided straight into you. Although he wasn’t going tremendously fast, your air bag deployed and hit you full in the belly. As soon as it deflated you could tell something was wrong. Your baby made several kicks and then abruptly stopped.
You begin to panic and immediately call for an ambulance. Although you’re not sure what damage was caused, you still have the feeling that something is wrong. What are the potential risks and will your baby be okay?
Pregnancy Driving Risks
Any type of car accident can cause catastrophic emotional, physical, and mental damage. However, these risks are even higher and more traumatic when they affect an expectant mother’s pregnancy. Impact injuries sustained by a pregnant passenger or driver, cannot only cause serious problems for the mother, but they can also cause internal issues for her unborn baby. These effects can include:
- Increased stress. This can cause dangerously high blood pressure for the mother, which can cause fetal distress.
- Pre-term labor. The force of the impact can cause early onset contractions.
- Miscarriage. If the impact causes contractions before the fetus is fully formed, a miscarriage could result.
- Internal bleeding. Depending on the injuries, penetration or impact force can cause internal bleeding and hemorrhaging to both the mother and the child.
- Birth defects. Birth defects can result as a side effect of too much pressure, hypoxia or bleeding.
- Hypoxia or internal damage. This can create a high-risk pregnancy that did not exist before the crash. High-risk pregnancies can create complications before, during, and after the birth.
No matter the severity of a car accident, or how minor your injuries appear, you should never take chances with your baby’s health and well-being. If you’re expecting, you need to seek medical attention immediately following a collision to assess your injuries and make sure your baby isn’t under any stress or potential harm. Remember, your baby isn’t protected by bones or a shield, the only thing protecting him is you, and your judgment after a collision—don’t jeopardize his safety by misjudging the possible risks.
If you or your baby have recently been injured in a collision and need help with your injury claim, contact us today. Protecting your baby is your fundamental right, let us help you get the justice, compensation, and peace of mind you both deserve. Call now!
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