Maternal car accidents during pregnancy and their impact on newborns

Abstract Introduction Car accidents are among the most common causes of fetal trauma during pregnancy. The most frequent maternal complications include placental abruption, uterine rupture, and hypovolemic shock, while fetal complications include premature birth, cranial injuries, skull fractures, and even death. Objective To examine how car accidents affect pregnant women and their newborns. Methods Three cases of newborns delivered by mothers involved in car accidents during pregnancy were analyzed. The data were collected from the medical records of the neonatology department. Results These three clinical cases demonstrate the significant impact of maternal trauma from car accidents on perinatal outcomes and neonatal development, with a wide range of clinical manifestations, from transient neonatal complications to neonatal death. Properly using seatbelts during pregnancy is essential to prevent injuries to both the mother and the fetus. Conclusions Maternal motor vehicle accidents can have severe and diverse consequences for newborns, ranging from transient complications to congenital malformations and neonatal death. Proper and correct use of seatbelts during pregnancy is a critical preventive measure to reduce maternal and fetal injuries. Immediate neonatal resuscitation and thorough post-trauma evaluation, are essential for improving outcomes. Long-term pediatric monitoring is recommended due to the risk of delayed complications. Further research is needed to develop standardized protocols for trauma management in pregnancy and to better understand the effects of intrauterine trauma on fetal development.