When an Accident Happens While Pregnant

Pregnancy can prompt women to take better care of themselves and their babies. However, no matter how careful a mother might be, a careless driver can endanger them and their unborn baby. If you have been the victim of such a driver, you are likely entitled to several forms of damage. To find out more, read on.

Your Baby Has Protection

In most cases, mothers-to-be create a protective cushion of amniotic fluid. This sac acts as a shock absorber and keeps the baby from bouncing around too much and being harmed. However, car accidents can mean damage to that protective sac and that can cause massive damage to the pregnancy and the health of the mother and child. A large number of problems can occur when a pregnant woman is involved in a car accident. Below is just a sample of what kinds of damage can occur: 

• Separation of the placenta from the uterine wall
• Preterm labor
• Miscarriage
• Stillbirth

When a baby is born too soon, the baby can be vulnerable to numerous medical problems. In addition, pregnant women can die or be seriously and permanently injured in car accidents when they are carrying a baby.

What to Do

What you do after an accident will matter in many ways. You must take care of yourself and your baby, first and foremost. Seek medical care right away, no matter how minor the accident seemed to be. Accept a ride to the hospital by the ambulance crew so that you don't wait a moment longer than necessary for care. Go to the emergency room and have them phone your obstetrician right away. Once you and your baby are stable, however, it's time to seek compensation from the driver that caused the accident.

You may be entitled to be paid for medical expenses related to the accident, your injuries, and those of your unborn baby. If your baby was injured, you may be entitled to seek compensation on your baby's behalf. If your baby is born prematurely, you are entitled to compensation for the care of your newborn for as long as it takes for them to leave the hospital.

Pain and suffering are bound to be part of your accident damages. You will likely be terrified about the injuries to your baby and concerned about your own well-being. You may be angry at the other driver as well, and that is only natural. You are entitled to be paid for all the emotional ups and downs brought on by the accident.

Speak to a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to seek monetary damages for what you have been through. For more info, turn to a firm such as Henley & Henley, PC.