Some expectant moms think that wearing a seatbelt is a no-brainer, but there are many others that believe the myth that it can harm their unborn child.

Not so, say researchers.

A new study published in the April issue of the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology reveals that almost 200 fetuses each year — or half of all fetal losses in motor-vehicle crashes — could be saved if pregnant women buckled up properly.

This validates the current advice that we give to women, but puts it in a very nice perspective because they [the study authors] took all factors in any accident or crash into the picture,” said Dr. Salih Yasin, vice chair of the department of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and director of obstetrics at Jackson Memorial Hospital.

In the US, pregnant women are involved in an estimated 170,000 motor vehicle crashes each year, resulting in the loss of some 90 to 369 fetuses. The study authors point out that the figure exceeds the number of children under 1 year of age who die in such crashes as well as the number of children who die from bicycle accidents.
Even if a fetus survives, premature delivery as a result of the crash can lead to low birth weight, respiratory problems and long-term physical or neurological problems.

After examining data on crashes involving 56 pregnant women, researchers concluded that fetuses were 4.5 times more likely to survive if the mother was wearing the proper seat belt restraint, with or without air bag deployment.

Among the study’s other findings:

Regular use of seat belts by pregnant women will prevent 84 percent of fetal injuries and deaths as a result of car accidents.

Air bags do not seem to adversely affect fetal outcome.

[FM]