Westborough, MA – I-495 NB Scene of Injury Wreck at Exit 59A

Responders arrived to find at least one person hurt, including a pregnant woman who was evaluated at the scene. Paramedics provided care and arranged for further treatment as needed, though the extent of injuries has not been released.

Our thoughts are with those hurt, and we wish them a smooth and full recovery.

One of the most common concerns is abdominal trauma, since the uterus expands outside the pelvis as pregnancy progresses, making it more exposed to impact. This can result in injuries to internal organs, as well as damage to the uterus itself. 

A major risk in these crashes is placental abruption, where the placenta separates from the uterine wall. This condition can disrupt oxygen and nutrient flow to the fetus and is considered one of the leading causes of fetal injury or loss after trauma. Even when the mother appears only mildly hurt, placental injuries can still occur and may not be immediately obvious. 

Pregnant occupants may also suffer uterine injuries, including rare but severe cases like uterine rupture. Although uncommon, these injuries are often life-threatening for the fetus and require immediate medical attention. In addition, pelvic fractures and abdominal injuries can directly affect the uterus or lead to complications for the pregnancy. 

Beyond direct physical injuries, trauma from a crash can cause maternal shock or significant blood loss, which greatly increases the risk to the fetus. In severe cases, reduced blood flow can lead to serious complications or fetal death. Direct fetal injuries are less common, occurring in a small percentage of crashes, but they can happen when there is strong impact to the abdomen or associated pelvic damage. 

Overall, car crashes can lead to a range of injuries for pregnant occupants, affecting both the mother and the developing fetus. The severity of injuries often depends on factors like crash force and maternal injury level. Research shows that more severe crashes and injuries to the mother are strongly linked to poorer outcomes for the fetus.