What Should a Pregnant Woman Do After a Car Accident?

Pregnancy is a period of joy for many families, but it also brings worries for the mother-to-be. If you or someone in your family is expecting a baby and is injured in a car accident, stress can increase due to the possible complications this could have on the baby’s health.

The complications arising from an accident during pregnancy can be severe and irreversible. Whether the mother has visible or internal injuries, they can put the fetus at risk. Additionally, the emotional trauma of the accident and injuries can have long-term effects on the mother after delivery. Any pregnancy that involves an injury is at risk of complications, such as:

• Premature onset of labor
• Hypertension
• Miscarriages
• Preeclampsia

A pregnant woman’s first action after an accident is to seek medical attention. This is essential, even if the injuries appear minor or the mother feels fine. It is crucial to have the health of the pregnancy evaluated by a doctor, especially if it is in an advanced stage.

A pregnant woman will usually be evaluated in an emergency room to ensure her stability. Ultrasounds will also be performed to check the status of the fetus.

Depending on the accident’s severity, doctors may decide to keep the mother under observation for a while. After discharge, it is important to watch for certain symptoms of prenatal complications, such as vaginal bleeding, contractions, fluid loss, or abdominal pain. Monitoring the frequency and strength of the baby’s movements is also essential, as any sudden change could be a red flag.

Once you have been discharged from the medical center, taking legal action as soon as possible is essential. Contact an experienced personal injury attorney to discuss your legal rights. If the car accident was not your fault, you will likely be able to seek financial compensation for the injuries you or your baby suffered.

About the Author

Yosi Yahoudai is a founder and the managing partner of J&Y. His practice is comprised primarily of cases involving automobile and motorcycle accidents, but he also represents people in premises liability lawsuits, including suits alleging dangerous conditions of public property, third-party criminal conduct, and intentional torts. He also has expertise in cases involving product defects, dog bites, elder abuse, and sexual assault. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from the University of California and is admitted to practice in all California State Courts, and the United States District Court for the Southern District of California. If you have any questions about this article, you can contact Yosi by clicking here.