Pregnant and in a car crash: get checked right away
An obstetrician explains the exam you need and the questions to ask next
If you’re pregnant and in a crash, get medical care right away, even if you feel fine. A seat belt bruise or a calm first hour can’t tell you everything about the pregnancy. Tell the emergency staff you’re pregnant and how far along you are. The first exam focuses on your own health. After that, the team can look at the pregnancy and decide what monitoring makes sense. [1, 2]
Details the medical team needs from you
Tell them whether you were driving or riding as a passenger. Say where the belt crossed your body. Mention whether an air bag went off and whether your belly hit anything. [1, 2, 3]
Describe any pain, bleeding, leaking fluid or contractions. Also report dizziness or a change in how your baby usually moves. Bring up injuries to other parts of your body too. Don’t downplay a symptom because it seems to have nothing to do with the pregnancy. [1, 2, 3]
Have some facts ready, on paper or from memory. Give your estimated due date and the name of your prenatal care provider. Share your blood type if you know it, along with your medicines and any pregnancy complications. If you’re Rh negative, tell the team. Ask whether you need testing or Rh immune globulin after the injury. Don’t make that call yourself based on whether you see bleeding. [2, 4]
What the exam is looking for
The exam may cover your injuries, your vital signs, and a look at the pregnancy. Whether the team uses an ultrasound or fetal monitoring depends on how far along you are and what happened. Ask what each test can and can’t tell you. Find out what would make the team keep you longer to watch you. A normal early result is reassuring. Even so, your plan for going home still counts. [2]
If a test or treatment for your own injuries worries you, remind the doctor you’re pregnant. Ask them to explain the benefit, the risk and any other option. Don’t put off injury care you need while you try to decide alone. When both the pregnancy team and the injury team are involved, ask them to agree on one shared plan. [2]
Know when to come back
Before you leave, ask which symptoms mean you should return right away. Ask who to call after hours, too. The CDC names several urgent warning signs. One is belly pain that is severe or won’t go away. Others are bleeding or fluid leaking from the vagina and a baby who moves less than usual. [3]
Trouble breathing, chest pain, fainting or a severe headache that keeps getting worse also need care right away. Follow your own pregnancy team’s instructions, even if they are more detailed. [3]
- Did the team check both my injuries and the pregnancy?
- Do I need more monitoring, a blood test or Rh immune globulin?
- Which symptoms mean I should call right away, and which mean I should go straight to emergency care?
Let your prenatal care provider know about the crash, even if another hospital checked you. Share your discharge summary and any follow up plan. Ask if your next routine prenatal visit should happen sooner. [2, 3]
It’s normal to feel shaken, even after good test results. Ask what was checked and what is still unknown. Pick one person who can help you watch for symptoms and get you to care if needed. A clear plan can cut down on constant guessing. Still, it can’t promise that every worry will vanish at once. [2, 3]
Buckle up the right way on every ride
Keep wearing your seat belt. Put the lap belt low across your hips and pelvic bone, below your belly. The shoulder belt goes across your chest, never under your arm or behind your back. Leave the air bag turned on. Wearing the belt correctly and getting prompt care after a crash both count. [1]
Get seen now, or keep your numbers close
Sources and further reading
- 1NHTSA seat belt safety in pregnancy
- 2ACOG hospital triage of obstetric patients
- 3CDC urgent maternal warning signs
- 4ACOG Rh factor and pregnancy
This article offers general U.S. education from an obstetric point of view. After any crash during pregnancy, get checked right away. Your own doctors will choose the monitoring and treatment that fit you.
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