“we took all these factors into account to ensure a comprehensive differential model that mirrors real-world responses and interactions of the woman and fetus,” said mohammadi.
researchers concluded the threat to fetal health was sufficient enough to recommend that drivers with a pregnant passenger onboard reduce their speed accordingly.
“considering a typical speed-bump of width and excitation amplitude of 0.5 m and 0.12 m, respectively, the driver should not hit the speed-bump at 42 km/h or more,” the study concluded. “we advise hitting such speed bumps under 25 km/h, based on this paper’s findings.”
motor vehicle accidents are the
leading cause of fetal death related to maternal trauma
, according to a study in the canadian medical association journal that highlights the unique risks pregnant women face anytime they are on the road.
“the outcomes for survivors are also concerning, given that brain injury in early life can contribute to neurologic deficits in later life,” the study said. “emergency care of an injured pregnant woman is further problematic because the physiologic changes of pregnancy can mask the usual signs of acute blood loss (e.g., tachycardia, hypotension), resuscitation science is incomplete (e.g., clinical trials usually exclude pregnant women) and trauma protocols need adjustment (e.g., iodine contrast radiography can potentially harm a fetus).