In the course of pregnancy, along with the belly, the woman's body weight also increases. The load on the spine increases, this causes a shift in the center of gravity. These factors influence the possibility of a fall.
Shocks and falls usually do not cause serious consequences for pregnant women, if you do not take into account serious traffic accidents and very strong impacts, often leading to the death of the developing fetus, even if the expectant mother remains alive.
As a rule, falls of pregnant women occur in the last trimester, when the expectant mother loses mobility, bouts of nausea become more frequent and periods of fainting are possible. This condition of pregnant women is explained by a change in the level of blood pressure during sudden movements. In another way, it is called the syndrome of the inferior vena cava, in which the uterus of a pregnant woman, at a certain position, compresses the inferior vena cava, thereby reducing blood flow to the heart.
The fetus is surrounded by amniotic fluid, which protects the baby and serves as shock absorbers that soften the blows. In the event that a pregnant woman receives a slight blow to the stomach, the amniotic fluid will soften it significantly.
During an ongoing pregnancy, it is best to wear comfortable clothing that is not too tight or restricts movement. The sole of the shoe should be flat or with a small, stable heel so that you can keep your balance and avoid the possibility of falling. If, during the fall, a push or blow has become boring on the stomach, you should not immediately panic, because the amniotic fluid protects the child. In addition, if you fall in winter, warm outerwear will cushion your fall. As a rule, an ordinary fall does not threaten any tragic consequences.
A serious cause for concern is bloody discharge from the genital tract, in which case you should immediately contact your doctor, as this may indicate placental abruption. Due to a fall on the stomach or a blow, the fetal bladder may be injured, in which case water will flow out of the genital tract. In this case, you need to contact your obstetrician-gynecologist as soon as possible.
A doctor's consultation is recommended for any fall, since even in the absence of visible violations, serious consequences are possible that only a doctor can establish - for example, a decrease in the intensity of movement or, conversely, an increase, this may indicate a change in the well-being of the fetus. Special studies that help determine the condition of the child - dopplerography, listening to the heartbeat, cardiotocography, ultrasound.
In addition, we must not forget about the negative impact created by stress during a fall, so a visit to a specialist is necessary for any outcome. In addition, the consequences may be different, such as bruises, sprains, fractures, dislocations. How to distinguish one from the other and what to do in this particular case?
Sprains are damage to tendons, ligaments, muscles and other tissues without compromising their integrity. In some cases, an ankle or knee sprain occurs.
Falling during pregnancy is one of the main fears of pregnant women for good reason, but, unfortunately, it is impossible to fully insure yourself against this. It becomes especially likely to fall during pregnancy in the winter, when there is ice under your feet, and heavy winter clothes are on the pregnant woman.
Injuries during pregnancy are especially often received by lovers of high heels who have not found the strength to part with them, and it’s good if it’s just an injured ankle. A blow to the stomach during pregnancy is very dangerous, no matter how the nature of the baby protects. A fall in early pregnancy is also dangerous, despite the fact that the child is protected and deep in the pelvic cavity.
Why is it dangerous to fall during pregnancy?
The pregnant woman becomes clumsy, in the later stages she does not even see where she steps, the tummy closes the view. The gait becomes slow and cautious, but still, it is very easy to lose balance.Nature has provided for the possibility of injury during pregnancy.
A fall in the early stages does not harm the child directly, because the uterus is reliably protected by the bones of the woman's pelvis, and even a bruise of the abdomen during pregnancy up to 10-12 weeks most often does not affect the baby in any way.
A fall on the stomach during late pregnancy also usually does not lead to injury to the baby himself, he is surrounded by the amniotic sac and water softens even a direct blow.
But do not forget about the following factors:
A fall is always a sharp concussion of the body, and it is not necessary to fall exactly on the stomach. The body receives a shake-up in any case, even if the mother slipped and fell in the safest way.
Falling even on the “ass” during pregnancy is dangerous at any time, since a sharp shaking of the house where the baby lives can lead to placental abruption and bleeding, and in the later period to damage to the amniotic sac.
Placental abruption often leads to the death of the child, for a long time it endangers the life of the mother.
A fall is a fear, stress, the release of a large amount of hormones into the blood, which themselves can cause a miscarriage. Pregnant women should not be scared and worried, anyone knows this.
A direct blow to the stomach during late pregnancy is only partially extinguished by amniotic fluid and fetal membranes. If the injury is serious, the child may suffer directly, that is, get bruises and even fractures.
Blows during pregnancy, deliberately inflicted on a pregnant woman, for example, as a result of beatings, quite often end sadly, miscarriage and death of the child.
Serious injuries during pregnancy, for example, spinal injuries, fractures, traumatic brain injury, may raise the question that now the main thing is not the child, but his mother ...
The consequences of a fall during pregnancy can be very serious, even if you just fell on your back. Of course, it is better to try to avoid injury, especially since in most cases this is possible by showing only forethought and caution.
General rules if you are pregnant:
- give up shoes with high heels, platform, buy yourself comfortable high-quality shoes with non-slippery, stable soles.- avoid walking where it is obviously slippery and you can fall.
- go down and up the stairs without neglecting the railings, they were invented in order to be able to insure yourself from troubles.
- ice on the street is a sufficient reason for you not to walk alone, the reliable hand of a companion is the best protection against falls.
- do not carry bags, hands should be free.
- Avoid restricting movement and uncomfortable clothing.
- if you start to fall - grab onto everything that is nearby, do not be shy. Even if you are supported by a person unknown to you, there should be no embarrassment, you are pregnant, and any person is simply obliged to help you if you need it.
And the last learn how to fall properly. Do not smile, you can also fall during pregnancy correctly, if you attended any martial arts section, you would be taught to fall correctly in the first place. To minimize the risk of injury from a fall, even when falling on your back or stomach, at the very moment of the fall you have the necessary fractions of a second to dodge and fall on your side. It's safer. If you fall on your side, you won't break anything or hit your head. Never stretch your arms forward when falling, falling on your arm, you risk a fracture. Falling, say, on your left side, the movement of your left hand should be directed, it should not be under you and take the blow. Correctly and safely, if it turns out to be extended to the side and takes a hit when it falls flat, you should, as it were, slam the whole hand on the ground, the load will be distributed not along the axis of the limb, but along it, and you will avoid a fracture.
What to do if a woman still fell during pregnancy?
First of all, you need to evaluate the consequences.Simple bruises during pregnancy are no more dangerous than at any other time, you should not be afraid of ordinary bruises, it is important that your child is not injured.
If you manage to fall on your stomach, just in case, consult a gynecologist, even if nothing bothers you.
Whether a fall during pregnancy is dangerous for a child in each case can be recognized by a number of symptoms:
Bruises during early pregnancy:
- discomfort in the lower abdomen- any discharge from the genital tract, bloody, brown, beige, even if it's just a small daub.
Beats during pregnancy for long periods:
- uterine tone, abdominal pain- change in the nature of fetal movements, both intensification and subsidence of motor activity.
- any discharge from the genital tract. Especially it should be noted the possibility of damage to the amniotic bladder and leakage of amniotic fluid. When leaking, water can be released in a very small amount, you will feel it as a feeling of dampness, aggravated by movement.
Women can get other injuries during pregnancy. If almost everyone falls during pregnancy, but complications are extremely rare, some especially unfortunate pregnant women find themselves in more unpleasant situations. Burns during pregnancy, electric shock, serious injuries in road accidents and much more lie in wait for anyone, you just have to relax and stop being careful.
Take care of yourself and your baby, life is full of dangers, and you are responsible for two ...
The topic of trauma during pregnancy is unreasonably ignored by doctors, although in most cases such injuries can be prevented. Indeed, up to 20% of cases of death of pregnant women occur due to injuries and injuries not related to pregnancy.
Most often, women get injured during pregnancy as a result of road traffic accidents (RTA). Fortunately, the frequency of involvement of pregnant women in traffic accidents, the degree of injury and the number of deaths do not exceed those of non-pregnant women.
In terms of frequency, injuries associated with physical violence by a husband or partner and usually received at home are not inferior to road accidents. In developed countries, cases of traumatization as a result of physical violence occur in 5-30% of pregnant women, but still, most of these incidents, especially with minor injuries, remain unpublicized and are not mentioned during a visit to the doctor. In 64% of such cases, the woman receives blows to the abdomen. Fetal death occurs in one in 20 pregnant women.
In third place are falls and accidental injuries. With the progress of pregnancy and the growth of the uterus, the woman's center of gravity shifts, which leads to more frequent loss of balance. From 3 to 30% of falls are accompanied by injury, and the period after 32 weeks of pregnancy is especially dangerous.
Household and other types of injuries are rare in pregnant women, and the degree of damage is determined by the type of injury. The most dangerous are electric shocks, since more than 70% of such accidents end in the death of the fetus.
Despite an increase in injury to pregnant women, the consequences of injury during pregnancy for women's health are less serious compared to injury to non-pregnant women. Doctors explain this effect by the protective function of increased hormonal levels, as well as more frequent visits by pregnant women to medical institutions. Even with a minor bruise and injury, a pregnant woman is more likely to undergo a timely examination and receive the necessary assistance compared to other groups of people.
The degree of damage during an injury depends on many factors. However, gestational age plays a very important role. In the first trimester, while the uterus is within the small pelvis, with bumps, falls, short-term compression of the abdomen, the risk of harm to pregnancy will be minimal. Up to 3% of women who are injured and admitted to the hospital because of it, do not know about their pregnancy. The doctor is obliged to clarify with the woman, if her condition allows it, whether she is protected from pregnancy and when she had her last menstruation. With a delay in menstruation, the level of hCG is determined to clarify the presence of pregnancy.
In the second trimester, the uterus already extends beyond the small pelvis, but nevertheless, the fetus is surrounded by a sufficient amount of amniotic fluid, which softens the effect of force during falls and bumps, so the danger to the fetus in this period of pregnancy is also not too high.
In the third trimester and before delivery, trauma can lead to premature birth, placental abruption, bleeding, uterine rupture, intrauterine fetal death.
In the second half of pregnancy, when damaged, it is important exactly where the placenta is attached. Most often, the child's place is located on the back wall of the uterus - this is one of the protective mechanisms of nature. But in a number of women, the placenta is attached to the anterior wall of the uterus, which significantly increases the risk of placental abruption in case of abdominal trauma. Particular attention deserves the abnormal attachment of the placenta - the so-called presentation, which in itself can be accompanied by a number of complications, but with injuries, these complications appear more often.
What should a pregnant woman do if she is injured as a result of a fall, an accident, a blow, etc.? To begin with, it is important to correctly assess the degree of harm to your own health and the health of the unborn child. Of course, the reaction of many women, especially in a state of shock, may be inadequate, so in such cases it is advisable to immediately contact a medical institution.
If the injury is not accompanied by pain, bleeding, increased contractile activity of the uterus, a woman can lie down and monitor her condition and fetal movements, if she felt them before. It is important to remember that from the second half of pregnancy, an enlarged uterus can compress the inferior vena cava when a woman lies on her back, and this is accompanied by unpleasant symptoms in 30% of cases and creates a false picture of deterioration.
However, in case of injury, it is still undesirable to take any painkillers. If a blow during a fall or DPT fell directly on the abdomen and at the same time the woman experienced severe pain, it is necessary to call an ambulance or immediately go to the hospital on your own.
Up to 40% of pregnant women may experience increased uterine contractions after trauma, but in 90% of cases, these contractions will stop without negative consequences for the pregnancy.
In a medical institution, the doctor is obliged to assess the condition of the woman, if necessary, connect her with oxygen, intravenous drips. But it is very important to know the condition of the fetus, placenta, amniotic fluid. Ultrasound in this case will be one of the best diagnostic methods. If the gestational age is more than 23-25 weeks, the woman may be sent to the maternity ward for observation even with minor injuries.
Ultrasound allows you to determine not only the condition of the uterus, placenta, fetus, but also intra-abdominal bleeding. It is important to monitor the fetal heart rate: the mother's stress response can be reflected in the form of a fetal stress response. After 23-34 weeks of pregnancy, monitoring of the fetus and its activity is carried out for 4 hours, and if necessary, longer.
Short-term fetal arrhythmias may occur after trauma, but such abnormalities usually do not have a negative prognostic value. At the same time, a normal heart rate excludes a negative pregnancy outcome due to an injury.
Most types of examinations that are used in medicine to assess the patient's condition after injury are safe during pregnancy. Most often, women are concerned about the danger of X-ray examination. As clinical studies show, x-rays of the pelvis, spine, hips in early pregnancy (5-10 weeks) increase the rate of miscarriages and the occurrence of malformations. After 10 weeks, the effect of radiation is characterized by changes in the central nervous system of the fetus. The level of negative effects of radiation on the fetus depends on the dose of radiation.
Computed tomography is also accompanied by an increased risk of radiation, although to a lesser extent than X-ray examination. Nevertheless, any type of examination in which fetal exposure is present must be administered carefully, according to strict indications.
A very important issue that is often overlooked by both doctors and women is the prevention of Rh sensitization, which is popularly called the Rh conflict. All pregnant women from 6 weeks of pregnancy with a Rh-negative blood type are recommended to administer 300 mg of anti-Rhesus antibodies (immunoglobulins) after injury, since in such cases damage to the placenta is not excluded.
According to indications, tetanus prophylaxis should be carried out in injured pregnant women. This type of vaccine is safe for pregnancy.
In almost 30% of cases with moderate injuries and more than 60% of cases with severe injuries, the pregnancy will end in abortion with loss of the fetus, while minor injuries will not affect the course of the pregnancy and its outcome. Up to 20% of pregnant women who require hospital treatment lose their pregnancies, as hospital treatment is usually required only in severe cases. However, even a minor injury doubles the risk of preterm birth. Up to 7% of pregnant women need a caesarean section soon after their injury.
Prevention of all types of injuries and injuries in pregnant women is no different from that in other people. More attention is paid to the prevention of falls, therefore, from the second half of pregnancy, all women are advised to wear low-heeled shoes, increased caution when using stairs, limiting sudden movements, as well as physical activity accompanied by a high risk of falling (cycling, skating, skiing, riding, jumping, running, etc.). When in transport, with the exception of public transport, a pregnant woman must fasten her seat belts. Physical abuse and abuse of power must be promptly identified and stopped by all reasonable measures, including the intervention of law enforcement, social services, family counselors and other professionals.
In general, minor injuries do not adversely affect pregnancy, and a woman calmly gives birth to a healthy full-term baby.
It should be noted that in most cases, minor injuries in anticipation of the baby do not pose a danger to his life and health. In addition, a fall at the beginning of pregnancy absolutely does not threaten the unborn child. The fact is that the uterus with the embryo is completely located in the pelvic cavity of the woman, which eliminates injury even if it falls directly on the stomach. In addition, the amniotic fluid that surrounds the baby is of great importance. They are a certain mechanical shock absorber that protects the fetus from various adverse effects of injuries.
Despite the natural protection of the child in the womb, a bruise of the abdomen can cause the development of complications, which can lead to quite serious consequences. This is due to the fact that when the uterus falls, it experiences significant concussion, which can increase the tone of the uterus and reduce it, leading to a miscarriage. It should be borne in mind that after the second trimester of pregnancy, this will mean premature delivery.
Also, a strong blow can cause damage to the chorionic villi, as a result of which there is a danger of abortion. It should be noted that in the first trimester this can lead to the development of retrochorial hematoma. And a fall in the second trimester can provoke premature detachment of the placenta.
In addition, another negative factor is the nervous shock experienced by a woman during the fall. The fact is that stress is considered the most powerful stimulator of the direct release of hormones, as well as biologically active substances that increase the tone of blood vessels and the uterus. Thus, this factor can become a starting point for the occurrence of adverse consequences for the baby.
What are the signs of fetal injury
The main signs indicating the occurrence of a fetal injury include: the absence of pushing the baby, the appearance of nausea, the presence of bloody discharge from the vagina, premature rupture of amniotic fluid, a feeling of cramping pain.Safety regulations
When expecting a baby, you need to take care of yourself and follow some rules: wear comfortable shoes without heels; refrain from sports and physical activity that requires balance; do not abruptly change the position of the body to avoid dizziness; it is advisable to rest more often, and also, if possible, reduce housework.If a woman hit her stomach in late pregnancy, she definitely needs to see a doctor. Against the background of hormonal changes, the body does not react to damage in the same way as in an ordinary person: hematomas rarely appear on the skin from a bruise, bleeding stops faster. The severity of the condition depends on the force of the blow and on how long the expectant mother is.
Risk of injury to the abdomen from bumps and falls during pregnancy
The fetus is protected from shock and pressure by the membrane of the placenta and amniotic fluid
The fetus in the womb is reliably protected from possible external influences. It is surrounded by amniotic fluid, the membrane of the placenta, the muscles of the peritoneum. Such a shield is able to act as a certain mechanical shock absorber. It can reliably protect a developing baby from adverse influences, so slight shocks to the stomach or even a direct fall on it will not affect development in any way.
However, it all depends on the severity of the injury. In the early stages, the consequences are rarely serious: the uterus with the embryo is located in the pelvic cavity. In the later period there are risks:
- uterine injury;
- bleeding;
- threats of miscarriage;
- placental abruption.
Falling on your stomach during pregnancy is a common occurrence. Increasing in size, it changes the center of gravity, so coordination is disturbed. In this position, it is difficult to maintain balance. If a woman has not tuned in to a new state and tries, as before, to do everything in a hurry, injuries become inevitable. Hormonal changes, toxicosis, vascular spasms that occur in the early stages provoke dizziness and fainting. They can be very dangerous.
To mitigate the consequences, a woman must learn to recognize the first signs of malaise. They are preceded by rapid heartbeat, sweat appearing on the forehead, the appearance of suffocation, weakness in the legs. In the presence of such symptoms, it is necessary to stop, take a break, lean on the wall or sit on a bench, ask passers-by for help.
Between 10 and 23 weeks, pregnant women rarely fall: the body already has time to adapt to changes, the degree of anxiety decreases, the expectant mother tunes in to a long gestation and calmly goes about her current affairs. By about 24 weeks, the hormonal background changes again, the woman feels a great surge of strength. Some are overly active at this time: they start repairs in the house, run around the shops and buy up children's things, try to hang new curtains on their own or nail a picture to the wall. Such activities increase the risk of falling. Its consequences can be conditionally divided into two groups: some can harm the child, others can harm the woman herself.
A strong direct blow to the abdomen, high noise level, prolonged vibrations in the first trimester often cause retrochororial hematoma. It provokes the rejection of the fetal egg from the chorion - an organ that then turns into a placenta. Clinically, a similar phenomenon manifests itself as pulling pains in the lower abdomen, the appearance of brown discharge. Ultrasound shows signs of partial discharge of the fetal egg from the uterine wall. This place is filled with clotted blood.
Due to a fall in the second trimester, some large vessel that connects the placenta to the uterus may be damaged. This leads to partial detachment of the fetal membrane. A similar phenomenon is often asymptomatic, it does not affect the development of the baby, it is found only on a routine ultrasound examination. If a woman hit her stomach hard for a period of 34-36 weeks for the same reason, progressive placental abruption will develop. It will cause premature birth.
In 80% of patients, the separation of the membrane begins with the appearance of external bleeding. In the remaining 20%, blood accumulates inside at the site of tissue separation. In such a situation, you can save the mother and child by performing a caesarean section and removing the fetus along with the uterus. The main symptom of such an injury is a pulling pain in the lower abdomen, uterine hypertonicity. With internal bleeding, it manifests itself especially intensively. A state close to fainting is formed: the heart rhythm is disturbed, weakness, nausea, dizziness appear. Anxiety grows. Separation of half of the placenta leads to premature birth.
Only very serious beatings or injuries received in an accident can lead to the death of the fetus. Falling from a great height is also considered dangerous. It often ends with a bruise or rupture of the uterus. In the first case, the presence of damage is indicated by the occurrence of bleeding from the vagina and pain in the abdomen, an increase in the tone of the reproductive organ. This condition is dangerous for the development of fetal anemia.
In the presence of extensive deep defects, blood is secreted from the genital organs in a trickle, an acute cutting pain appears in the abdomen. The skin becomes pale, blood pressure drops. Cold sweat breaks out. Forecasts in such situations are always doubtful, they depend on what injuries are present, how much they have, what severity of the condition they cause.
With a blunt abdominal injury received in a car accident or with a strong fall, ruptures of the liver, spleen, and uterus may occur. Such conditions cause massive intraperitoneal bleeding. In severe cases, it is not possible to save a woman and her unborn child.
Signs of fetal injury
The main symptoms indicating an existing danger include the absence of movements of the baby in the womb, the occurrence of severe nausea, the presence of blood discharge and the outflow of amniotic fluid.
The formation of episodic pain in the lower abdomen, similar to contractions, constantly renewing and growing, may indicate the onset of preterm labor.
First aid for a blow or fall on the stomach
Even with a minor injury on the street, you need to call an ambulance. While she is driving, it is important to stay still and lie still. Getting up suddenly can raise your blood pressure and make you feel dizzy. It is necessary to rise slowly and preferably with outside support.
From an uncomfortable position, it is easier to get up from your knees. To do this, first, experts recommend sitting down, leaning on your hands from behind, then rearranging them on one side, taking the desired position and rising to your feet from this position.
An ambulance will take the patient to the hospital, where doctors will examine her. The traumatologist must find out if there are fractures or dislocations, sprains. The therapist will determine the general indicators of the condition of the mother and child. The obstetrician-gynecologist will listen to the fetal heartbeat, check the tone of the uterus through the abdominal cavity. Since the risk of miscarriage when hitting the stomach is high, a woman must be examined with an ultrasound scan.
If the expectant mother at home hit the front of the case on the doorknob, you should not worry. The fetus is reliably protected from such damage. Any strong anxiety stimulates the release of adrenaline into the blood. This effect is more dangerous for the baby than the injury itself, so the mother in such a situation just needs to take care of herself: apply ice or a bottle of cold water to the injury site and wait for the pain to go away. If the discomfort does not go away, you need to contact the gynecologist in charge of the pregnancy by phone, ask him to advise which pain reliever you can take.
If the injury has led to damage to the skin, the wound must be treated with hydrogen peroxide and brilliant green. Do not use iodine for disinfection. It causes a burn. Tissues that have undergone necrosis do not heal well.
To prevent abdominal injuries, a woman must learn how to behave correctly in the apartment and on the street. In houses with floors and stairs covered with laminate, the chance of falling increases. You can reduce it by covering everything with carpets and securely securing them with heavy furniture. You can’t walk with a big belly with your hands in your pockets. You need to balance and maintain balance. During rain or ice, it is better to stay at home. When walking, do not take long steps. When going down the stairs, hold on to the railing. It is important to get up from the couch or bed slowly so that your head does not spin. Every woman, following these simple rules, will be able to protect herself from abdominal injuries.