Prenatal counseling on seat belt use and crash-related medical care.

Describe the prevalence of and characteristics associated with being hurt in a car accident during pregnancy; the resulting medical care needed; and the association between counseling and the medical care needed after a car accident. Secondary data analysis of PRAMS (Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System) data, a population based survey of women with a recent live birth. Two percent of women were hurt in a car accident during their pregnancy. Only 57% of them had received counseling on seat belt use. Most women (87%) who were hurt in an accident needed medical care. Being counseled on seat belt use was not associated with the level of care needed. Most pregnant women who are hurt in a car accident require medical care or bed rest. Public health action and research is needed to reduce the burden of motor-vehicle related injuries among pregnant women.