In future vehicles, researchers hope to create enhanced crash-protection technology, with computer-aided models now being used to aid testing.  The most common death of children in the womb is caused when oxygen to the fetus is cut off, which is normally caused after crash impact rips the placenta from the uterus.

"We can develop restraint systems for any vehicle and any occupant, but we first have to see the injuries themselves, what happens to the placenta and uterus tissues during an accident," said Stefan Duma, Virginia Tech-Wake Forest University School of Biomedical Engineering and Scientists researcher, said in a statement to the AP.

Researchers who use CT scans of pregnant women at 30 weeks are then able to study the force of impact on a human body -- and have used uterine and placental tissues -- to learn how auto collisions impact pregnant women.

The government doesn't currently track the overall number of fetal deaths related to auto accidents -- but the estimated number ranges from 300 to a few thousands each year.  Auto accidents remain the largest single cause of death among pregnant women, a startling fact that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) hopes to change in years to come.

Providing better safety features has been extremely important for car makers, especially protecting children.  However, research into developing airbags and impact systems for pregnant women has finally garnered more attention.

Auto makers are pointing out that changes won't be available immediately, but want drivers and expectant mothers to know that research is being done.