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Sarasota Car Accident Attorney > Blog > General > What Should A Pregnant Woman Do After A Car Accident?

What Should A Pregnant Woman Do After A Car Accident?

Car accidents are scary, no matter the circumstances. But they can be particularly frightening for pregnant women, who are so often left wondering if they should seek medical attention even though they aren’t seriously injured. And the answer is yes, in fact, you should see a doctor, not just for yourself but also for your baby. This is especially true if you were pregnant when the car accident occurred. The risk of miscarriage increases significantly after such an event. However, keep in mind that even if the baby is born healthy and well, there is a risk for congenital disabilities and developmental problems. However, with a personal injury law firm on your side, you can at least place the legal aspect of the situation in more capable hands and try to focus on the health and well-being of your unborn child.

Risks to Babies From Car Accidents

Pregnant women and their babies are more vulnerable to the effects of a car accident than a typical person. Here are some of the risks to pregnant women and their babies associated with car accidents:

Uterine Rupture

If you are involved in a car accident while pregnant, your body is subject to forces that it may not have expected. The accident may cause the uterus to rupture. If this occurs, there is a greater threat of internal bleeding, which can be detrimental to your baby’s health. The trauma can also cause you to go into premature labor.

Placental Abruption

The placenta provides oxygen and nutrients to the baby and removes waste products. Placental abruption occurs when the placenta separates from the uterus, causing a rapid loss of blood flow to the baby. This can cause severe placental damage and even death.

Miscarriage

Another risk to the baby that occurs in car accidents is miscarriage. Although this is not caused by an accident itself, it can occur due to the worry and stress of the mother from the accident and the trauma caused by it.

Premature Birth

Premature birth occurs when a baby is born before it is ready to be born. Car accidents and the trauma that ensues can trigger premature labor and delivery. In addition, premature birth increases the risk of brain damage and other health problems.

Infection

After a car accident, you might be worried about cuts and scrapes. Cuts and abrasions open the door for infections from outside bacteria and viruses. These can cause harm not only to you but also to your unborn baby.

How Can Expectant Mothers Help Protect Their Child?

The best way to address these risks to pregnant women and their babies from car accidents is to minimize the risk. Here are some ways you can do this:

  • Let Someone Else Drive When You Are Pregnant

Do not attempt to drive yourself when pregnant. If you must drive, let someone else take the wheel while you rest.

  • Drive Safely

Always follow the rules of the road and drive safely. Wear your seat belt and keep your speed in check. These precautions will protect you and reduce the risk of car accidents.

  • Never Drive Sick

It is hard to avoid feeling sick when you are pregnant, but you want to be sure not to drive when you are. It is not safe for you or your baby. If you must get somwhere, make arrangements for someone else to drive you.

  • Move The Seat Back

If you are pregnant and must drive, try to leave as much room as possible for your growing belly. By moving the seat back a bit, you will have a larger area of your body that is not in direct contact with the steering wheel, which will reduce the risk of injuries.

What To Do Just After The Accident

Here’s how to handle things after a car accident:

  • First, Get Out Of The Car As Soon As You Can.

The longer you wait, the greater the risk that you may suffer a serious injury or even an infection. However, be careful of your surroundings and make sure to watch for sharp objects and debris, as well as other vehicles.

  • Call The Police

No matter what you think you can handle, call the police as soon as possible. You should also inform them that you are pregnant. This will allow them to handle the situation in a manner that will be safe for you and your unborn baby.

  • Get Medical Help

Even if you don’t appear to be injured, you should still see a doctor as soon as possible after the crash. The doctor will examine your body and check for injuries that can’t be seen on the surface. Even better, the doctor will also examine the baby to ensure that you haven’t miscarried and the baby is not hurt in any way.

  • Document Everything

It is important that you take detailed notes of the accident. Include where you were, at what time it occurred, who was driving the other vehicle, etc. Keep your notes handy in case you choose to file a claim later on. You can also take photos and videos of the accident scene. These will help you to show what happened and will be useful if you decide to file a claim.

  • Call a Car Accident Injury Attorney

While it is important to be cautious after a car accident, you still want to know that you will get professional help with your claim. That’s where an experienced personal injury lawyer can help. A personal injury lawyer can evaluate the situation and determine what claims you can make against the insurance company or other parties involved in the accident to recover your damages. They will also work to negotiate a settlement with the defendant(s) to get the case resolved as quickly as possible.

The risks to pregnant women and their babies from car accidents can be devastating. However, you can prevent these serious injuries to your baby by taking precautions and following the road rules. However, if you do suffer an injury to no fault of your own, you should contact an experienced car accident injury lawyer to help provide you with the support that you deserve. You can visit https://halelaw.com/ to find a car accident injury lawyer.

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