Motor Vehicle Safety During Pregnancy

Abstract

Motor vehicle crashes during pregnancy are the leading cause of traumatic fetal mortality and serious maternal injury morbidity and mortality in the United States, injuring approximately 92,500 pregnant women each year. Little is known about the circumstances surrounding these crash events and the maternal characteristics that may increase women’s vulnerability to crash-related injuries during pregnancy. Even less is known about the effects of crashes on fetal outcomes. Crash simulation studies using female anthropomorphic test devices and computational models have been conducted to better understand the mechanisms of maternal and fetal injuries and death resulting from motor vehicle crashes. In addition, several case reports describing maternal and fetal outcomes following crashes have been published in the literature. Only a few population-based studies have explored the association between motor vehicle crashes and adverse maternal and/or fetal outcomes and even fewer have examined the effectiveness of seat belts and/or airbags in reducing the risk of these outcomes. This paper reviews what is presently known about motor vehicle crashes during pregnancy, their effects on maternal and fetal outcomes, and the role of vehicle safety devices and other safety approaches in mitigating the occurrence and severity of maternal crashes and subsequent injuries. In addition, this paper suggests interventions targeted towards the prevention of crashes during pregnancy.

<p>Socio-Demographic Determinants of Road Traffic Fatalities in Women of Reproductive Age in the Republic of Georgia: Evidence from the National Reproductive Age Mortality Study (2014)</p>

“… 48 , 49 Research suggests the rising number of miles driven by pregnant women and concurrent misuse or underuse of seat belts for fear of harm to their fetus as the main underlying mechanisms behind this trend, making motor vehicle collisions the leading cause of injury-related maternal fatalities and fetal death in the US. 48 This could be an important area for future investigation in Georgia as well.…”

Management of Placental Abruption Following Blunt Abdominal Trauma

“…It is also important to consider domestic violence in the differential diagnosis of placental abruption, as pregnancy is a period when abuse is known to escalate [2,12].Prenatal seat belt counseling and educational materials can effectively increase pregnant women's knowledge of the use and placement of belts. A three-point restraint system may decrease the chance of fetal demise as a result of blunt abdominal trauma [13].…”

“…Prenatal seat belt counseling and educational materials can effectively increase pregnant women’s knowledge of the use and placement of belts. A three-point restraint system may decrease the chance of fetal demise as a result of blunt abdominal trauma [ 13 ].…”

Enough Already!

“…9 Intentional injury is an important contributor to the high rate of pregnancy-associated deaths. Patients do listen to the advice of their doctors and nurses, and they may be particularly motivated to do so during pregnancy.…”