Driving is a risky activity, and it can be especially scary for pregnant women. This is because car accidents can cause internal bleeding, premature labor, and even miscarriage for pregnant women. According to the National Institutes of Health, car accidents are also the leading cause of fetal death and injury due to maternal trauma.
Seek Medical Care As Soon As Possible
Always seek medical attention after a car accident, especially if you are pregnant. Even if you feel fine and the car accident seemed minor, you could wind up with complications. For example, a car accident can increase your risk of placental abruption and uterine rupture or laceration, conditions that often present without immediate symptoms.
Although a problem with your uterus is not a direct fetal injury, it can cause serious problems for your baby, including premature delivery, miscarriage, and stillbirth.
When you see the doctor, they will evaluate your condition – and your baby’s condition – then decide on the next steps. After a car accident, your pregnancy may become high-risk, meaning you will need specialists to care for you, and in serious cases, doctors may even induce labor to help treat you and your child.
Keep an Eye on Your Symptoms
Even if your doctor gives you the all-clear after a thorough obstetric exam and ultrasound, a car accident is still a traumatic experience for you and your baby, which can increase the risk of pregnancy complications.
When you get home from the doctor, keep an eye out for:
- Vaginal bleeding
- Cramping
- Abdominal pain
- Contractions
- Leaking fluid
- A decline in your baby’s movement
If you notice any of these symptoms, call your healthcare provider right away. Remember to take care of your mental and emotional health, as well. Car accidents cause extra mental and emotional stress and trauma when you are carrying a child.
Talk to your loved ones, seek extra support, practice self-care, and even make an appointment with a mental health professional if that’s what you need. Your mental and physical health is of the utmost importance when you are pregnant.
Do Not Be Afraid to Ask for Help
Pregnancy is an exciting time, but it can also be expensive. You may be strained financially even before a car accident and wonder how you are going to afford all the medical care you now need.
If someone else caused your car accident, you should not be responsible for all the accident-related expenses you are facing as a result. To help offset the cost of the accident, you should make a claim against the other driver’s insurance company. Because you are pregnant, you may be entitled to additional compensation.
The at-fault driver can also be held liable for any injuries you and your baby suffer.
If you get into a car crash while pregnant, the first thing you should do after ensuring your physical and mental health is contact an attorney to help you deal with insurance companies and recover the compensation you deserve.
Our lawyers at Douglas, Leonard & Garvey, P.C. can help you access the care you need and move forward after an accident, whether that means hiring a doctor who specializes in high-risk pregnancies, arranging induced labor and emergency delivery, or even arranging a funeral if the worst happens.
We will have your best interests at heart and fight for you every step of the way, and you can trust us to handle your case with compassion and care. Our team has been serving clients like you since 1997, we have over 100 years of combined experience, and we are dedicated to getting you exactly what you need during this difficult time.
We want to hear your story, and we want to help – call us at (603) 288-1403 or contact us online to get started with a free consultation today.