I’m Brian Ricci, father and car crash attorney in Greenville, NC. Few things are more important to an expecting mother than the safety of her unborn child. Women who are preparing to give birth often spend an enormous amount of time researching every element of their pregnancies, from what foods to eat to which babyproofing supplies have received the highest ratings. They take no chances when it comes to their baby’s health, and will avoid just about every possible risk during their pregnancies. Traveling from one place to another by motor vehicle, however, is a risk that is virtually unavoidable. That reality placed women at risk of being injured in a car accident, which can have devastating effects. The following information highlights some of the problems that can occur when a woman is involved in an auto accident while pregnant.
Risks in the Early Stages
Women who are involved in a car accident during their first trimester must take care to receive medical treatment as soon as possible. In the early weeks of pregnancy, the fetus may not have developed to the point that the mother would be aware of any issues. A thorough medical examination is the best way to know whether the unborn child has sustained any type of injury during a crash. Women should be especially vigilant in regard to any signs of physical distress after an accident, including bleeding, cramping or unexplained fatigue or fainting spells.
What Can Happen in the Second Trimester
During the second trimester, pregnant women who are involved in a car crash are at risk of a condition called placenta abruption. This occurs when the placenta becomes detached from the walls of the uterus. That detachment impeded the flow of blood between mother and child, and poses an immediate and serious risk to both. The most common signs of placenta abruption are severe abdominal pain and feeling weak or dizzy after a car accident. As a note, researchers have determined that pregnant women are at an elevated risk of being involved in a car accident while driving during their second trimester. This is believed to be linked to “sporadic cognitive lapses”that are common during this stage of the game. Those lapses are more commonly referred to as “baby brain.”
Risks During the Third Trimester
Although the risk of fetal injury during a car accident declines during the third trimester, there are still plenty of dangers that can come as a result of a crash. Perhaps the most troubling is the risk that the incident could cause a woman to go into early labor. Giving birth prematurely can lead to a whole host of problems, and is an outcome that should be avoided whenever possible. Women in Greenville or the Pitt County area of North Carolina who are in their third trimester should take steps to reduce the amount of time they spend in vehicles, either as drivers or passengers. Serious trauma to both mother and child can occur in an auto accident, even if the mother is wearing a seat belt.
Emergency Care While Pregnant
Providing emergency medical care to a pregnant woman is a challenge, according to medical workers. Many of the conditions of pregnancy also serve to mask common signs of trauma, making it difficult to accurately diagnose a wide range of issues. Also, the physical realities of a pregnancy can create a challenge when attempting to provide basic emergency care after an accident. Additional precautions must be taken to avoid harming the fetus, which can make it more difficult to treat the mother for injuries sustained during the accident.
How to Reduce the Risks
As expected, the best way that a woman can reduce the risks associated with being in a car accident while pregnant is to reduce the amount of time she spends as a driver or passenger in a vehicle. While it may not be possible to completely eliminate road travel, women may want to consider lessening the time they spend in transit. For those who are injured in a car accident, it is important to seek immediate medical care. It may also be helpful to know that the family has rights when it comes to seeking legal recourse in such matters.
Greenville, NC Auto Accident Attorneys
I’m Brian Ricci, a Car Accident Lawyer serving Greenville, NC and the surrounding areas. If you have suffered a personal injury, please call me anytime at (252) 777-2222 or (888) 484-6881 for free, friendly advice. Let’s go over the details of your accident case over the phone and see how best to proceed. The call is free and there is no obligation to you.
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References
Safe Ride 4 Kids – Injuries to Pregnant Women
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4081196/
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-women-pregnancy-crash-idUSKBN0DT24320140513