How To Deal With a Car Accident When Pregnant
Car accidents, regardless of the severity of the impact, can lead to complications. Those problems are often worsened, depending on the condition of the person in the accident. Pregnancy doesn’t automatically mean danger, but it definitely is a reason to take more precautions after a collision.
While everyone involved in a car accident needs to take the time to assess their bodies and make sure they are okay, it is not enough to do a self-assessment. As a pregnant woman, you should go to the doctor and be examined; not all injuries will be immediately noticeable to you, but some signs might show up on specific tests.
Natural Protection
The womb is technically a safe space for your baby to grow and develop; it does have some built-in protections and is designed to withstand some impact. Unfortunately, car accidents come with the additional risks of momentum and impact, and while slamming the brakes and hitting the bumper might not feel like too much trauma, it can lead to issues.
One of the potential risks of getting in a car accident while pregnant is placental abruption; this occurs when the placenta separates from the uterus, potentially leading to hemorrhaging, premature delivery, or miscarriage. The scary thing about a placental abruption is that you might not notice symptoms right away.
Emergency Room Assessment
When you visit the hospital to get an exam after a car accident, the doctors and nurses will check on your condition, ensuring you are stable. Once they deem you stable, they will perform a thorough obstetric exam. Depending on how far along you are and the type of symptoms you are showing, like contractions or bleeding, the doctors may want to monitor you for several hours.
If all goes well and you receive a clean bill of health, the hospital will probably give you an OK to go home. However, you will still need to watch for signs or symptoms of any potential problems. For example, you want to keep an eye out for leaking fluid, contractions, abdominal pain, a decline in the baby’s movement, or vaginal bleeding. If any of these issues arise after returning home, immediately return to the hospital for another exam.
Beyond the safety of your unborn child, you will need to figure out how to pay for any damages or injuries sustained. Contact a car accident lawyer from a law firm like David & Philpot, PL for assistance when it comes to your accident and how you may be able to receive compensation for your medical expenses and other expenses that were due to the car accident.