Medically reviewed by Sally Urang, MS, RN, CNM, midwife
Written by
Alexandra Frost | Dec 6, 2021
Photo credit:
iStock.com / SolStock
Any time you're in a car accident while you're pregnant – whether it's a minor fender-bender or a more serious collision – it's best to be examined by your healthcare provider or a doctor as soon as possible, no matter how far along you are in your pregnancy. (In fact, you should always be evaluated whenever you receive any kind of blow to the abdomen during pregnancy.)
Immediately after a car accident, take a second to breathe, reassure yourself that you're OK, and evaluate how you're feeling. If you're having any concerns about your pregnancy or you feel like you or your baby may be injured or in distress, go straight to the ER. Call 911 or have your partner or someone else come and take you there.
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Even if you feel fine, it's still best to call your healthcare provider as soon as possible to describe your accident, discuss any symptoms you're having, and talk about potential next steps. They may direct you to the ER or their offices to be checked out.
With car accidents or any kind of jarring impact while you're pregnant, the main cause for concern is placental abruption, when the placenta separates from the inner wall of your uterus before delivery. The womb offers some protection for your baby and placenta during a sudden impact, such as slamming on the brakes; but even if the jolt didn't feel that severe, it can still potentially separate the placenta from the uterus.
Placental abruption can lead to serious problems including hemorrhage, miscarriage, or premature labor. Yet even with an abruption, you may not notice any symptoms. This is why it may be essential to have an exam to verify that you're OK, and your baby is too.
In the ER, you'll be checked out and, once your overall condition is stable, you'll receive a thorough obstetric exam and ultrasound to check on the fetus and placenta. Depending on the age of the fetus and any symptoms you have, such as bleeding or contractions, you and your baby may be monitored for several hours or more. If you'reRh-negative, you may get a shot of Rh immunoglobulin if there's any chance that your blood has mixed with your baby's.
After you receive the OK to go home, you'll need to watch for subsequent vagin*l bleeding, leaking fluid, contractions or other cramping or abdominal pain, or a decline in the baby's movement. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your ob or midwife right away.
This can be an emotionally difficult and scary time, so it’s important to take care of your mental health after an accident too, by reaching out to trusted family members, friends, or a counselor if you want to talk about your emotions.
Safety tips for driving while pregnant
- Always wear a properly fastened seat beltthroughout pregnancy. This means ensuring that a three-point seatbelt, complete with both the lap and shoulder straps, are in the proper location. Don't wrap the lap belt above or in front of your belly as this can lead to placental abruption during an accident.
- Don't text and drive. While it may seem like sending a quick text is harmless, it’s easy to be distracted and not see an accident that could have been avoided. Other distracted driving that can lead to an accident includes eating, feeding a child or finding a toy for them, using your GPS system, and putting on makeup.
- Make sure your car's airbags work. Try to keep ten inches between the steering wheel and your breastbone. Consider angling the steering wheel, if it tilts, towards your breastbone rather than your belly or your head.
- Keep emergency contact information with you. This can be something as simple as a card in your wallet that lets first responders know who to call if need be.
- Consider a pregnancy ID bracelet, engraved with your due date, your blood type, and any other medical information that would be crucial for an ER physician to know in case of an emergency.
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Read more:
What activities should I avoid during pregnancy?
Traveling while pregnant: Your complete guide
Tips for safe pregnancy exercise
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Sources
BabyCenter's editorial team is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world. When creating and updating content, we rely on credible sources: respected health organizations, professional groups of doctors and other experts, and published studies in peer-reviewed journals. We believe you should always know the source of the information you're seeing. Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies.
Aitokallio-Tallberg A, Halmesmäki E. 1997. Motor vehicle accident during the second or third trimester of pregnancy. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9174423/Opens a new window [Accessed December 2021]
American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists. 2019. Car Safety for Pregnant Women, Babies, and Children. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/car-safety-for-pregnant-women-babies-and-childrenOpens a new window. [Accessed December 2021]
Alexandra Frost
Alexandra Frost is a Cincinnati-based freelance journalist, content marketing writer, copywriter, and editor focusing on health and wellness, parenting, real estate, business, education, and lifestyle. Away from the keyboard, Frost is also mom to four sons under age 7 who keep things chaotic, fun, and interesting.
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