A famous quote says , A mother’s love for her child is like nothing else in the world. It knows no law, no pity; it dares all things and crushes down remorselessly all that stands in its path. A mother protects her child from all the circumstances since knowing about her pregnancy till she dies. You must be thinking how she can protect her baby in womb. Well, she can. Your body is designed to protect your developing baby during pregnancy. The walls of your uterus are thick, strong muscles that help keep your baby safe. The amniotic fluid also serves as a cushion. All these will protect your baby. So if you fall accidentally during pregnancy, don’t panic. It depends on the stage of pregnancy. There are chances of even miscarriage but only when, when the trauma is very severe.
The female body is built to withstand a certain amount of minor trauma when carrying a baby. However, there are circumstances and conditions that can increase the likelihood of miscarriage (occurring within the first 20 weeks) or stillbirth (occurring after the first 20 weeks) should injury occur.
Can Falling During Pregnancy Cause a Miscarriage?
Let us now discuss about the dangers a fall can cause and what factors can increase the chances of fall:
The impact of a fall differs for both pregnant mom and baby depending on four main factors:
Mother’s age
The chances of complications of the fall increase with the age. For women over 35 years, the difficulties would be high . In this case, you should seek medical advice immediately even if there are no serious symptoms.
Position
As long as you don’t fall flat on your face or hurt your stomach, you should be fine. Many women fall on their back or side and don’t have any trouble, apart from the pain in that area. Support yourself with both hands when you are falling.
Surface
The impact of your fall also depends on the surface – hard or soft. However, many women have fallen on concrete surfaces or slipped from stairs but delivered perfectly healthy babies.
Stage of pregnancy
The effect of the accident also depends on the stage of your pregnancy during which you fell, as mentioned above. What might be safe in the first trimester may not be so in the third. The risk factor increases in the later trimesters. The reason is that the baby is closer to the surface, grown to a decent size and is in the inverted posture, with her head down.
What Is The Impact Of Falling Down On The First Trimester Of Pregnancy?
In early pregnancy, the uterus is tucked in the pelvis and is well protected by the pelvic bones. So, chances of harm to your baby are very less. If accidentally you fall, don’t get up immediately, lie down and relax, call someone for your help. And still you are doubtful, visit your doctor, he will reassure you by doing the routine checkup.
What Is The Impact Of Falling Down On The Second Trimester Of Pregnancy?
Once you get into your second trimester, the uterus moves a bit as the size of baby is growing. But other factors are still there to protect your baby.
Relatively some complications can arise when you fall during the second trimester of pregnancy especially if you fall on your stomach, complications such as:
- You develop severe pain after the fall
- There is vaginal bleeding
- You fall on your stomach
- The movement of fetus is decreased
- You feel dizzy or breathlessness
- You develop uterine contraction
- You develop tenderness in your abdomen
Once you develop some of the above symptoms, you should seek medical attention. They will help you and clear all your doubts.
What Happens When I Fall Down On The Third Trimester Of Pregnancy?
With baby moving towards full term and as the days of delivery are near, the danger also increases. If you had a severe fall, it may cause problems to placenta. Placenta may be pulled away from uterine wall.
The warning signs includes:
- The amniotic fluid starts to leak
- Bleeding from vagina can occur
- The fetal movement may decrease
- Feeling of dizziness or fainting increases
- Shortness of breath can occur
- Cramping or contractions of the uterus
- Severe abdominal pain
- Premature labor can also occur.
Even if you don’t develop the above symptoms go ahead and consult your practitioner. Your doctor will definitely go for an ultra sound to make sure the safety of you and baby.
Here are some tips on how to prevent yourself from falling:
You cannot prevent the falls always. However, if proper precautions are taken, you can minimize the risk.
- Lean on some strong support or sit down if you are feeling dizzy.
- Wear footwear with non-skid soles and proper grip. Avoid high heels and complete flats as they cause extra strain on the lower back and calf muscles.
- Watch ahead while you are walking. Be careful while stepping on uneven or and water surfaces. Walk on levelled surfaces, and also avoid grassy areas.
- You should hold onto the hand rails while using a staircase. If you cannot hold anything, ask somebody to lend their hand for support.
- Do not carry heavy loads as they keep your attention away from your feet while walking.
- Wet areas like bathroom and kitchen are prone to cause accidents. Water and soap can together make the surface slippery. So, be careful.
Don’t you think all these are the points elders always tell you or any pregnant lady. So, its better to follow their instructions. Falls may not always be dangerous during pregnancy. But if you fall accidentally , immediately consult your physician. He will do your check up and guide you accordingly.
