What should I do after a Maryland auto accident if I’m pregnant?

A minor fender bender may seem like a minor issue, but if you're pregnant, you should know that any sudden jolt or blow to the stomach could cause serious harm to your unborn child.

The possibility of a pregnant woman being injured in a Maryland car accident should not be taken lightly. Whether you are 8 weeks pregnant or 38 weeks, see a doctor to determine if you or your baby is at risk of:

Premature Labor

The jolt of a serious Maryland car crash can induce labor prematurely. If you are 37 weeks or more, your baby is considered full term and should have few issues.

However, if you give birth too early, your baby may need medical care to maintain breathing and to stay alive outside of the womb. Premature babies often have expensive medical bills and a lengthy hospital stay.

Miscarriage

The same jolt that causes premature labor later in pregnancy can result in a miscarriage for a woman at an earlier stage of pregnancy.

If you have lost your baby in a Maryland car accident, we understand this is a painful time for you. You should know that you might be eligible for compensation for the loss of your unborn child. Talk to a Montgomery County attorney today to see if you have a claim.

Placental Abruption

More common in the third trimester, placental abruption occurs when the placenta and uterus separate, disrupting your baby's home. This is especially dangerous because there may not be any external signs that something is wrong. Ask your doctor to check for internal signs of a placental abruption, particularly if the airbags deployed or your stomach was hit during an accident.

High Risk Pregnancy or Labor

If your perfectly healthy pregnancy suddenly turned into a high-risk pregnancy following a Maryland car accident, you may be eligible for compensation to help pay for the medical bills associated with the extra care.

Birth Defects

Any of the above problems can leave your child with permanent birth defects. If this is the case, you should talk to a Maryland personal injury attorney regarding compensation to help pay for your child's additional care.

When to see a doctor

You should definitely see a doctor if you notice any bleeding, abdominal pain, or a change in your baby's regular movements following a Maryland car accident.

Even if you feel fine, it's still a good idea to see a doctor if you have been in any accident, even a fender bender. You may not know if internal damage has been done without a medical exam.

If you or your unborn baby has been injured in a Maryland car crash, consider calling a Montgomery County attorney at 1-800-875-9700.