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An automobile accident is often a scary experience for just about everyone. But for pregnant accident victims, the experience can be doubly horrifying. Regardless of whether the mom-to-be is in her first trimester or third trimester, any trauma that she experiences can have an effect on the unborn child. Attorney Randall Spivey, a Fort Myers personal injury attorney, knows that a driver's carelessness can lead to costly medical bills and a whole host of other accident-related expenses. In fact, even in cases where the pregnant victim does not appear to be injured, she may learn days or weeks later that her unborn baby has been affected.

The trauma that a woman can experience while in a car accident can include trauma to the spine and/or stomach, which can have an impact on the overall development of the baby and his or her health. 

The Types of Problems That May Arise for a Pregnant Accident Victim

Depending on the severity of the accident, a pregnant accident victim might go into premature labor. The shock of the accident might lead to the start of contractions, which can potentially lead to an early birth and a low birth weight for the child. Additionally, if the mom-to-be was hit in the stomach, she might experience both external and internal bleeding that might lead to miscarriage.

Also, as your Fort Myers personal injury attorney knows, a pregnant victim might also face the need for an emergency Cesarean section (or C-Section) if birth complications take place or if the baby is in distress. Likewise, accident trauma might result in the separation of the placenta from the wall of the uterus, which can be quite dangerous.

Recognizing the Signs That There May Be an Issue With the Baby's Health

Although a pregnant accident victim might not have injuries of her own, she should be mindful of the possible signs that may reveal an issue with the unborn child. For instance, if the mom-to-be experiences stomach pain and/or vaginal discharge or bleeding, there may be cause for concern. Similarly, if the accident victim gets dizzy or faints, or suffers from headaches that do not go away, these might also be signs that something is wrong with the baby. 

That said, it is imperative that any pregnant women who has been involved in a motor vehicle accident visit her doctor as soon as possible after the accident so that he or she can evaluate the pregnancy and run the necessary tests. 

Better Safe Than Sorry

Some pregnant women take for granted that everything is okay with their babies simply because they weren't physically hurt. But it is important for the accident victim to visit the emergency room after the accident, or at the very least, meet with their own doctor so that a fetal monitor can be used in order to determine what is going on with the baby. If the victim has, however, sustained injuries of her own, and if x-rays are needed, the victim should be sure to have her stomach shielded from the radiation. Additionally, if the doctor prescribes pain medication, ensure that it will be safe on the baby.

If you or a loved one is pregnant and has been involved in an automobile accident, contact Randall Spivey, Board Certified personal injury attorney at Fort Myers’ the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. today.