PREGNANT WOMAN ARE significantly more likely to be involved in a serious car crash, new research has suggested.

A study of just over 500,000 woman who gave birth in Ontario, Canada, found that 7,679 of the expectant mothers had been involved a car crash that resulted in them being hopsitalised.

This was more than 42 per cent higher than the number of crashes “among the same group of women during the same months before they became pregnant”.

This is likely due to side-effects of pregnancy, such as exhaustion, nausea, and sleeplessness, that can cause reduced concentration while driving.

Lead researcher Donald Redelmeier from the University of Toronto said he was “surprised” by the magnitude of the findings, and hopes that it will lead to doctors warning pregnant woman of the risks.

“It also surprised me that none of the obstetrical care guidelines mention this in North America, Australia or Europe,” he added.

“They talk about blood pressure and diabetes – but they’re silent about the risks of road crashes.”

The research has been published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal.

Read: “Conflicting advice” leading to thousands of Irish women drinking alcohol while pregnant >

Opinion: Giving birth at home – a piece of cake? >