Car accidents and the effects on pregnant women. Being involved in a car accident is a traumatic experience for anyone. But when you are pregnant, the experience is even more frightening and stressful.
As an expectant mother, your actions following a car accident are vital in ensuring your safety along with that of your unborn child. Here are some things you should know about how an accident can affect your pregnancy:
Expectant mothers have unique risks
Pregnant women have an increased risk of complications following a car accident. Risks for pregnant women involved in a collision include internal bleeding, hemorrhaging, pre-term labour, birth defects and miscarriage. Injuries sustained in motor vehicle collisions are also a leading cause of death for pregnant women.
Causes for concern after an accident include vaginal bleeding or spotting, swelling of the face or fingers, leakage of fluid or increased vaginal discharge, severe and constant headaches, abdominal pain, pain in the shoulders, persistent vomiting not associated with morning sickness, chills or fever, changes in the baby’s movements, faintness or dizziness. These symptoms can present themselves in the hours, days, weeks or even months after an accident.
Even what seems to be a minor accident presents risks for an expectant mother. Certain injuries are not apparent right away and symptoms may surface some time after the incident. Furthermore, pregnant women are more susceptible to severe stress and emotional trauma following an accident due to their concern for their unborn child. Even if a mother did not sustain a serious injury, the stress and trauma alone can cause complications. Studies have shown that pregnant women who are suffering from Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are more likely to have a premature or low weight baby.
You must always inform your OBGYN and your primary care physician after you’ve been in a motor vehicle collision, even if you believe it to be a minor incident. Your physicians will know the treatment you need. For example, physical therapy is usually recommended for people who have been injured in any types of car accidents. However, not all forms of physical therapy are suitable for pregnant women. Your doctor will advise you on what treatments are safe while pregnant. They may also recommend additional tests be done based on pre-existing conditions and stage of your pregnancy.
What to do if you have pregnancy complications following a car accidents
If you have pregnancy complications as a result of an accident that was caused by the actions of someone else, you may want to file a personal injury claim. To do so, you should consult an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
A personal injury lawyer will help you to get compensation for your medical expenses, the cost for caring for a child who was born prematurely and/or with birth defects, as well as for the stress and emotional trauma you had to endure because of the accident.
Looking for a personal injury lawyer in Surrey?
If you were involved in a car accidents as an expectant mother and need a personal injury lawyer in Surrey, give us a call at Nirwan Law Corporation. At Nirwan Law Corporation, we understand how difficult and overwhelming being involved in an accident can be—no matter how early or late in your pregnancy you were at the time.
Our Surrey personal injury lawyer has the legal expertise and years of experience dealing with the ICBC to be able to provide you with sophisticated legal representation to help you get the desired outcome in your case.
Do not hesitate. Give us a call today to schedule a free legal consultation with our Surrey personal injury lawyer. Let us show you how we can help.
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