Pregnant? You May Be More Likely to Crash

If you’re pregnant, you probably already have a laundry list of concerns: Can you eat sushi? Can you dye your hair? Can you take Tylenol? Can you relax in a hot tub?

Unfortunately, you might have to add one more thing to your list of things to worry about: driving.

According to a recent study cited by ABC News, pregnant women may be 42 percent more likely to get into a car accident than the rest of the population.

This result comes from a five-year study done by Canadian researchers and published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal. The article reported that “nearly one out of fifty women will be involved in a car crash while pregnant.”

While the study didn’t determine why pregnant women are more likely to get in a car crash, the researchers did have a few theories. The stress of pregnancy, along with symptoms including nausea, back pain, and fatigue, could make it more difficult to concentrate when behind the wheel.

It’s important to note, however, that this doesn’t mean you can’t drive at all. For most people, this would be an impossible task: it’s unlikely that you could find someone to drive you everywhere you need to go—from work, to the grocery store, to the hospital—for nine months or more.

Furthermore, the study made sure to point out that being pregnant has nowhere near the effect on driving that texting or drinking does.

While pregnant, simply make sure to pay more attention to the road. Don’t use your cell phone, and drive defensively: other drivers may not be so cautious, and you don’t want to get in an accident. Wear your seat belt.

If you are injured in a car accident caused by someone else, seek medical attention immediately. Then, consider contacting an Everett, WA car accident attorney to learn your options.

---