Falls during pregnancy are common, affecting approximately 27% to 30% of expectant mothers. Physical changes like weight gain, a shifting center of gravity, and loosening ligaments can impact balance and coordination. Understanding the appropriate response and potential outcomes can help manage anxiety.
Immediate Response and Self-Assessment
After a fall, remain calm and assess the situation. Check your body for any pain, bruising, or obvious injuries. Note the circumstances, including how you landed and the fall’s height. Even if the fall seems minor, certain signs warrant immediate medical attention.
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience severe abdominal pain or cramping, vaginal bleeding, or any fluid leakage. A decrease or absence of fetal movement, persistent dizziness, or uterine contractions also indicate a need for prompt medical evaluation. These symptoms suggest potential complications requiring professional assessment.
Potential Maternal Complications
A fall on the back during pregnancy can lead to maternal musculoskeletal injuries, including sprains, strains, or fractures, particularly in the back or pelvis. The body’s natural adaptations, such as increased joint laxity and a shifted center of gravity, make these areas more susceptible to trauma.
Bruising and soft tissue trauma are common after a fall. While many falls result in minor injuries, the impact can sometimes exacerbate existing pregnancy discomfort, such as back pain. Any persistent pain, swelling, or limited mobility should be monitored and discussed with a healthcare provider.
Potential Fetal Complications
The primary concern after a fall during pregnancy is the baby’s well-being. While the uterus provides a protective environment, cushioned by strong muscles and amniotic fluid, significant impacts can still pose risks. Fetal vulnerability increases in later trimesters as the uterus grows larger and extends beyond the pelvic bone, becoming more exposed.
Placental abruption, where the placenta partially or completely detaches from the uterus before birth, is a potential complication. Signs include vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, back pain, uterine tenderness, or frequent uterine contractions. Even without visible bleeding, blood can be trapped behind the placenta, making medical evaluation crucial for these symptoms.
A fall can trigger premature labor, especially in later pregnancy. Symptoms include regular uterine contractions, menstrual-like cramping, a low backache, increased pelvic pressure, or changes in vaginal discharge like fluid leakage or bleeding. Fetal distress, indicated by changes in movement or an abnormal heart rhythm, also requires immediate medical attention.
Professional Medical Evaluation
After a fall, healthcare providers conduct a thorough evaluation of maternal and fetal health. This typically begins with a physical examination for visible injuries or tenderness on the mother. Monitoring the fetal heart rate, often using a Doppler or CTG, is a standard procedure to assess the baby’s well-being.
Healthcare professionals also check for uterine contractions, which can be a sign of premature labor or placental abruption. An ultrasound may visualize the placenta, assess amniotic fluid volume, and confirm fetal integrity. If the mother is Rh-negative, a RhoGAM shot might be administered to prevent complications from fetal and maternal blood mixing. Depending on the fall’s severity and symptoms, observation for several hours, up to 24, might be recommended to detect delayed complications.
Reducing Your Risk of Falls
Several preventative measures can help reduce fall risk during pregnancy. Wear appropriate footwear with good grip and low heels to improve stability and reduce tripping. Be mindful of your changing balance and move slowly when changing positions, such as standing up, to prevent dizziness and loss of balance.
Use handrails when navigating stairs and avoid slippery or uneven surfaces. Regular, gentle exercise, such as walking, yoga, or Pilates, can help maintain core strength and improve balance throughout pregnancy. Maternity support belts may also enhance balance, particularly in later pregnancy.