Pregnancy Risks in a Colorado Car Accident

Jerry Bowman, Owner and Managing Attorney

Car Accidents
October 11, 2024
Pregnancy Risks in a Colorado Car Accident

According to the National Library of Medicine, car accidents are a leading cause of serious trauma during pregnancy. This is why pregnancy comes with a heightened sense of caution, considering the safety and well-being of both the pregnant woman and her baby. Unfortunately, some daily activities, like driving, can result in serious consequences to expecting mothers and their unborn children. It is important to understand the potential impacts, symptoms, and precautionary measures to protect pregnant women and their unborn children. The car accident attorneys at Bowman Law drafted this article to provide valuable insights into determining possible pregnancy complications after a Colorado car accident.

How Can a Colorado Car Accident Impact Pregnancy? 

Colorado car accidents can have various effects on both the pregnant woman and her unborn baby, ranging from minor to severe. These impacts depend on the nature and severity of the accident. The potential complications of car crashes on a pregnant woman and her baby are:

  1. Placental abruption: It is the most common cause of fetal loss in vehicular accidents. Placental abruption is a complication that occurs when the impact of a crash causes the placenta to separate from the uterine wall. This can be extremely dangerous for both the mother and baby. 
  2. Preterm labor: It is labor that happens before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Trauma from an accident or force of the collision may result in early contractions and preterm labor.
  3. Fetal injury or trauma: It is an injury directly incurred by the fetus resulting from trauma to the abdomen. A Colorado car accident may cause fetal injuries, such as fractures and head injuries. It usually occurs in later stages of pregnancy when the uterus is higher in the abdomen.
  4. Maternal injuries: These are injuries to the mother due to the force of the impact. Maternal injuries like broken bones, internal bleeding, or head trauma can indirectly affect the pregnancy.
  5. Uterine rupture: It is a rare yet serious complication that takes place when the wall of the uterus tears or breaks open during pregnancy. Uterine rupture can put the lives of the mother and the baby at greater risk.
  6. Stress and anxiety: Any kind of accident that may threaten the lives of the mother and the baby, can cause significant stress and anxiety. This can significantly affect the health of the mother and the development of the fetus.
  7. Miscarriage: It is the loss of a pregnancy due to the trauma from a collision. Miscarriage occurs before the 20th week. Severe trauma in early pregnancy can potentially lead to this catastrophic event.
Pregnant woman in distress holding head, sitting on a couch, highlighting stress risks post-car accident.

Can a Colorado Car Accident Cause a Miscarriage? 

A fender bender is a minor collision that occurs at a low speed and results in minimal vehicle damage. Generally, it poses a lower risk compared to more serious accidents. However, a pregnant woman involved in any vehicular crash can possibly suffer from complications, including miscarriage, depending on the severity of the impact or stage of pregnancy.

Even in a fender bender, the severity of the impact can vary. If the pregnant woman experiences a direct blow or trauma to the abdomen, or if the jolt is particularly strong after the collision, the risk of miscarriage increases. In a fender bender, the stage of the pregnancy can affect the risk of miscarriage. During the first trimester, the fetus is still small and delicate. Any significant stress or trauma can likely lead to the sudden loss of the pregnancy. Meanwhile, during the second and third trimesters, the uterus becomes larger and more exposed. The uterus then grows to be more vulnerable to trauma. 

Can a Seatbelt Injure a Fetus in a Colorado Car Accident?

It is essential for pregnant women to use seatbelts when they are driving or riding a vehicle. However, correct usage is also important. Seatbelts are designed to secure the body during sudden stops or impacts. For pregnant women, these safety devices protect the fetus by preventing the mother from hitting the interior of the vehicle or being ejected out of the car.

Generally, seatbelts serve a vital protective function for both the mother and unborn child during accidents, yet they can also cause injuries in severe collisions. In high-impact crashes, the force of the seatbelt against the body of the pregnant woman can result in trauma. The victim may sustain abdominal bruising or contusions, uterine injuries, or placental abruption following the collision. In severe accidents, pregnant women may experience direct fetal trauma.

Although seatbelts can be a source of injuries during crashes, the protection they provide to pregnant women outweighs the risks. Pregnant women who do not have their seatbelts on face higher threats of life-threatening injuries or death in accidents, which can also be catastrophic for the fetus.

Pregnant woman fastening seatbelt in a car, emphasizing safety precautions during pregnancy.

What Symptoms Are Concerning After a Colorado Car Accident? 

After a Colorado car accident, a pregnant woman should watch out for several symptoms that may indicate potential complications. Some serious conditions may not immediately develop. A medical evaluation following a vehicular collision is necessary to identify the warning signs that may harm the mother and the baby. Some of the common symptoms are:

  • Vaginal bleeding or spotting;
  • Abdominal pain or cramps;
  • Fluid leakage from the vagina;
  • Decreased fetal movement;
  • Contractions;
  • Dizziness or fainting;
  • Severe headaches;
  • Swelling in the face or fingers;
  • Changes in vision;
  • Fever and chills;
  • Shortness of breath;
  • Nausea or vomiting;
  • Pain in the chest or shoulders;
  • Bruising on the abdomen

Should I Turn My Airbags Off If I am Pregnant?

Similar to seatbelts, airbags are made to protect the occupants of a vehicle during a crash. These safety features decrease the risk of head, neck, and chest injuries. Instead of turning off airbags, pregnant women must properly position themselves to utilize the device effectively. 

Red SUV with a damaged front on a tow truck, illustrating car accident aftermath in Colorado.

How Can I Protect Myself and My Unborn Baby?

Protecting both the mother and the unborn baby during car travel is crucial for pregnant women. Here are the major ways to improve safety for expectant mothers and their unborn children:

  1. Use seatbelts correctly and consistently: One of the most effective ways to protect both the mother and the baby is to wear seatbelts properly. Always wear a seatbelt, even for short trips. 
  • Lap belt position: The lap belt should be placed under the belly and secured across the hips and pelvic bone. It should not go over or across the abdomen. This position will minimize pressure on the uterus during a sudden stop or collision.
  • Shoulder belt position: The shoulder belt should lie between the breasts and off to the side of the belly, and not across the neck or off the shoulder. It should be snug and not twisted.
  1. Adjust seating position
  • Distance from airbag: Pregnant women should adjust the seat and keep at least 10 inches between the steering wheel or dashboard and the chest.
  • Tilt steering wheel upwards: When driving, angle the steering wheel towards the chest rather than the abdomen. In this way, the risk of abdominal injury from airbag deployment will be reduced.
  1. Use airbags appropriately: Do not disable your airbags, as they provide essential protection in serious collisions. Pregnant women must check that their seats are adjusted to maximize the distance from the airbag. It will help decrease the force upon impact.
  2. Drive safely and avoid distractions: If driving, pregnant women should obey traffic laws such as adhering to speed limits and road signs. They should refrain from distracted driving like using gadgets or eating. Pregnant women must not drive when they are tired or unwell, as fatigue can affect reaction times and decision-making while traveling on the road.
  3. Take regular breaks: Pregnant women must take breaks every couple of hours during long trips. Prevent prolonged sitting and try to walk, stretch, and maintain good circulation. They should also stay hydrated and keep themselves comfortable while traveling. 
  4. Avoid driving in dangerous conditions: Pregnant women must not travel in adverse weather conditions like heavy rain, fog, or at night when visibility is limited.
  5. Prepare and always bring a car safety kit: It will be useful for pregnant women to have emergency supplies with them in case of unpredictable events like accidents. A small kit with items like water, food, a first-aid kit, and any necessary medications may be helpful to address the basic needs of pregnant women.

Contact our Colorado Car Accident Lawyers

At Bowman Law, our Colorado car accident lawyers specialize in protecting and fighting for the legal rights of pregnant women injured in car accidents. We recognize the challenges and risks expectant mothers face on the road. We are here to guide you through every step of the legal process and secure compensation for existing and future medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional trauma.

If you or a loved one has experienced a car accident in Colorado while pregnant, we encourage you to seek help from a dedicated team of personal injury lawyers. Contact our office at 720-863-6904 for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us help you get the justice you deserve by fighting for your rights and the well-being of your unborn child.

Our firm is located in Denver and proudly serves the Front Range, including Colorado Springs, Boulder, Fort Collins, Westminster, Lakewood, and Aurora.