Pregnancy & Seatbelts
MYTH: Wearing a seatbelt during pregnanct can cause harm to my baby
FACT: Research shows that unbelted pregnant women are more than three
times likely to lose their baby in a crash, and two times as likely to
have excessive maternal bleeding. Even in a minor accident, where
injuries are not as severe, you still have a five percent chance of
losing your baby if unrestrained.
DANGERS TO YOUR BABY: A 2008 study from the University of Michigan estimates that proper
seatbelt use by pregnant women would save 200 fetuses each year. Fetal
death is not the only thing that can happen in a crash if the mother is
unrestrained. A 2004 study in Utah examined police records, birth
certificates, and certificates of death from 1992-1999 and found other
complications that can occur include: abruptio placentae (premature
separation of the placenta from the uterus), fetal distress, birth
weight less than 5lbs. 8oz., premature birth before 37 weeks, delivery
within 48 hours of crash, cesarean delivery, fetal mortality, and
abnormal conditions such as seizures, birth injury, or assisted
ventilation.
Source: PreventInjuriesVA.com
