Risks Pregnant Women Experience During an Auto Collision

While anyone can suffer serious injuries in a car accident, the dangers to a pregnant woman and her fetus can be even greater. A normal pregnancy can suddenly become a high-risk one, and the child could suffer permanent injuries that have devastating effects on their health and quality of life.

If you were injured in an auto crash caused by a negligent driver, it's crucial that you hire an experienced San Diego car accident attorney as soon as possible to fight for the injury compensation that your baby and you deserve.

Importance of Immediate Medical Care If You're Pregnant

If you were involved in any car accident while pregnant, you need to seek prompt medical care even if you don't believe you’re hurt, as the risks to you and your child increase dramatically. This is true even if you're in a minor fender-bender or a rear-end collision.

A pregnancy can become high-risk if one of you suffers health complications. See a doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms in the days or weeks after your crash:

• Swelling of your fingers or face
• Changes in your baby’s movements
• Vaginal bleeding or spotting
• Severe abdominal pain
• Pain in your shoulder
• Severe or constant headaches
• Increased vaginal discharge or leakage
• Chills or fever
• Persistent vomiting not associated with morning sickness
• Dizziness or fainting

Pregnancy Complications Caused by Car Accidents

A car accident can cause a mother and baby to suffer serious complications that are sometimes life-threatening. Here are some of the severe medical conditions to be aware of if you or someone you love is in a wreck.

Miscarriage

A miscarriage is the sudden and unexpected loss of a fetus before a woman completes 20 full weeks of pregnancy. In some cases, the expectant mother may experience a partial miscarriage where only part of the fetal tissue is expelled. If the fetus is lost after the 20^th week of pregnancy, it's referred to as a stillbirth.

Placental Abruption

Placental abruption can be caused by the force of impact in an auto collision and occurs when there's a premature partial or complete separation or abruption of the placenta. Because the placenta supplies everything that a fetus needs, this condition has dangerous consequences. It can lead to a low birth weight, premature birth, and large loss of blood by the mother. In serious cases, placental abruption can cause the death of the fetus or mother.

Premature Birth

The trauma to an expectant mother’s abdomen and womb can cause her to go into labor prematurely. If a baby is born at 32 weeks or earlier rather than the normal 40 weeks, they might have significant developmental delays, such as the inability to eat, breathe, or stay warm on their own. They may need to stay at the hospital for weeks or longer until they develop enough to go home safely. If the baby is especially premature or small, this can cause a life-threatening situation where the parents must make a difficult decision about whether the infant can survive.

Premature Babies Can Experience Life-Long Problems

While some babies born prematurely go on to live normal, healthy lives, others experience serious health problems, or their organs might not fully develop.

In addition, they have a greater risk of suffering cognitive impairment, cerebral palsy, or another permanent disability that can significantly affect their quality of life and their ability to care for themselves. They may need expensive medical care, personalized help at school, and other assistance throughout their life.

Contact the Law Offices of Mark C. Blane for Compassionate Action

Did you suffer complications in your pregnancy due to a car accident caused by a negligent driver? Did your unborn baby suffer injuries? Fortunately, you're both entitled to be compensated for past and future medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more from the at-fault motorist and their insurance company.

You need a knowledgeable and attentive car accident lawyer in San Diego who will fight for all the compensation you and your infant deserve. To learn about your options and my track record of success helping clients like you, call my San Diego office to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation today.