Driving During Pregnancy: Potential Injuries and How to Protect Yourself

One report shows that 2.9% of women are injured in a car during pregnancy.

Expecting mothers will do anything to protect their unborn child, but sometimes the risks can be unavoidable. For instance, many pregnant women continue to work during their pregnancy, and some will need to drive to and from their place of work on a daily basis.

One report shows that 2.9% of women are injured in a car during pregnancy. In addition to the injuries the mother can suffer as a result, there are also a number of risks to the fetus. If you were in a car accident while pregnant, it’s vital to seek medical treatment at once. Additionally, you should also reach out to an experienced St. Louis car accident lawyer to see what your legal options are.

Potential Risks

The types of injuries the pregnant mother can sustain because of a car collision greatly depend on the crash itself. However, here are some possible scenarios:

• Premature Labor – The stress caused by a car accident can lead to the mother entering labor prematurely. That poses a great threat to the baby’s survival;

• Miscarriage – If the woman sustains great injuries to the stomach or uterus, there is the risk of a miscarriage;

• Direct Injuries to the Fetus – If the injury affects the baby directly, there is a possibility of birth defects;

• Pregnancy Complications – The impact can cause a high-risk pregnancy, which means the mother and baby will most likely need to be closely monitored. Sometimes, these cases can also force the mother to be on bed rest until the condition improves or even until birth.

How to Protect Yourself and Your Baby

As your pregnancy progresses, it will most likely become more and more uncomfortable to perform some of the tasks you would have normally, like driving. However, if your doctor clears you to drive while pregnant, you should not necessarily feel pressured to stop because of the potential risks.

There are some precautions you can take to keep you and your baby safe:

• Be More Cautious – You may have broken a few traffic laws in the past, such as speeding to avoid being late for work. However while pregnant, it’s best to follow these laws strictly and exercise caution every time you get behind the wheel. Even after your pregnancy, you should follow the rules of the road.

• Take a Moment to Make Sure You Are Comfortable – The seatbelt or seat position will begin to bother you. Before going for a drive, make sure they are not an issue that can distract you on the road.

• Take the Vehicle for Check-ups Regularly – Have a mechanic look at the engine, wheels, and even airbag functionality.