Injuries to pregnant occupants in automotive crashes

Klinich, Kathleen DeSantis<sup>1</sup>; Schneider, Lawrence W.<sup>1</sup>; Moore, Jamie L.<sup>1</sup>; Pearlman, Mark D.<sup>2</sup>

Affiliations

¹University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute

²University of Michigan Health Systems, United States

Abstract

Injuries unique to pregnant occupants involved in motor-vehicle crashes include placental abruption, uterine rupture or laceration, and direct fetal injury. The mechanisms and characteristics of these injuries are discussed using examples from a literature review and from recent investigations of crashes involving pregnant occupants. In addition, a review of the relationship between the pregnant driver and automotive restraints and the steering wheel illustrates how injury potential may differ from the non-pregnant occupant.

Links

URL: http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/pdf/esv/esv16/98s9p17.pdf

Cited Works (2)

Year	Entry
1986	Agran PF, Dunkle DE, Winn DG, Kent D. Fetal death in motor vehicle collisions. In: 30th Annual Proceedings, Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine (AAAM). October 6, 1986; Montreal, QC.285-294.
1997	Pearlman MD. Motor vehicle crashes, pregnancy loss and preterm labor. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. May 1997;57(2):127-132.

Cited By (1)

Year	Entry
2002	Rouhana SW. Biomechanics of abdominal trauma. In: Nahum AM, Melvin JW, eds. Accidental Injury: Biomechanics and Prevention. 2nd ed. New York, NY: Springer-Verlag; 2002:405-453.