- November 11, 2022
- Comments: 0
- Posted by: Dr. Anushri Shah
One of those clichés you’ve probably seen in a movie involves a pregnant woman who trips and falls and ends up in serious condition. But can miscarriages actually occur during falls, or are scenarios like this just for dramatic effect in movies? The short answer is yes, traumatic events can result in the tragic loss of a pregnancy. The severity of the accident and the stage of pregnancy have a significant impact on the real risk. The full explanation of whether falling while pregnant is safe or risky is provided here. Let’s fall in!
Pregnancy Stage Matters During Fall:
Falling during the first trimester
During the first trimester of your pregnancy, the uterus is safely covered by the pelvic floor and is kept within the pelvis. Therefore, during the first trimester, a fall could not have as much of an effect on your unborn child or placenta. If you’ve fallen, just take some time to relax by lying down. However, you should get medical attention if you are having concerning signs or have any back or abdominal pain.
Falling during the second trimester
The uterus is typically not tucked beneath the pelvic floor during the second trimester. The baby is shielded by various safety layers, nevertheless. In the second trimester, you might experience some difficulties, particularly if you trip over your tummy. If you notice significant discomfort, vaginal bleeding, or other worrying signs, you should visit a doctor.
Falling during the third trimester
The likelihood of injury to both you and the unborn child increases as you enter your third trimester. Additionally, because of fatigue and clumsiness, you are more likely to fall during this time. The placenta may sustain more harm from a serious fall than any other organ. Premature labor may result from falls during the third trimester. Therefore, even if you don’t have any of the aforementioned fall-related concerns, you should still contact a doctor.
Prevention Tips for Falling During Pregnancy:
Be Careful When Walking Around
Walking around while pregnant can cause problems. Avoid walking downstairs, especially if they’re steep. Also, avoid standing for long periods of time. Try to sit down frequently.
Get Help From Friends And Family
Talk to friends and family members who’ve been through similar situations. They’ll know how to help you cope with the situation.
Opt for Comfortable Footwear
Pregnant women should avoid wearing high heels like stilettos since they might cause them to lose their balance. Instead, choose comfortable, easy-to-balance footwear like flats over heels and strappy sandals over flip flops.
Don’t Carry Heavy Loads
If you try to balance something heavy on your back or in your arms, your center of gravity will only become more off-balance. In addition, there is a greater chance of pulling something because ligaments and joints are looser.
Take Care Of Yourself
Take good care of yourself. Eat right, get plenty of rest, and stay active. These things will help keep you healthy and happy.
Last But Not Least, Know What To Do If You Fall
Know what to do if you fall. Sit up straight, put pressure on your back, and try to breathe deeply. Speak to your doctor if you feel pain or if you lose consciousness.
When You Should be Concern About “Falling During Pregnancy”
The following are some of the warning signs that you should seek medical attention:
- Vaginal spotting or bleeding
- Leakage of the amniotic fluid
- Decreased fetal movements
- Feeling dizzy and fainting
- Contractions in the uterine wall
- Shortness of breath
- Abdominal pain
The Effects of Falling During Pregnancy:
The impact of your fall on your pregnancy depends on various factors.
Stage of Pregnancy: Due to severe trauma, your risk of placental abruption increases in the third trimester. Additionally, because the baby is closer to the surface than it was in earlier stages when it had a larger cushion, it will be subject to more trauma.
Your Age: It will be more difficult to recover from falls and injuries if you are older when you are pregnant. Pregnant women who are older experience more complications. Your age will not, however, have an impact on the miscarriage rate.
Position: Compared to someone who lands on their side or back, if you land directly on your stomach, you may have a higher chance of miscarriage.
Surface: The kind of surface that you land on will also be important. It is obvious that a concrete surface would be more harmful than a carpet.
Falling During Pregnancy: Is My Baby Okay?
The good news is that most of the time falling during pregnancy won’t harm the fetus. If you don’t know, let you know that your baby bump is made to shield your developing child to the fullest extent possible and can survive a wide range of situations without endangering it.
The baby is encased in shock-absorbing amniotic fluid inside the womb. Additionally, the fetus is shielded by a strong membrane, a muscular uterus, and the abdominal cavity (which is made up of both muscle and bone).
Keep in mind: Other factors like pregnancy stage, the severity of falling down & falling position play a big role. If you found any aforementioned concerned factors you should seek medical advice as soon as possible.
What to do, If I fall frequently During Pregnancy?
There’s no need to panic if you fall while pregnant. In fact, falling is quite normal in 2nd & the 3rd trimester. In fact, it happens to everyone at some point during pregnancy. If you’re worried about falling during pregnancy follow prevention tips & talk to your doctor. He or she may recommend exercises to help prevent falls. Divine Mother is one the best women’s health care center, open for all moms & moms-to-be. Pregnancy yoga classes or Pregnancy care program sessions; Our team has got your back!