Slip and Fall Safety When Baby's On Board

Pregnancy can make you wobbly

When the winter brings ice and snow, being surefooted isn’t always so easy. Couple the snow with a pregnant belly (and barely being able to see your feet) and the risk for falls grows even greater.

Many women fall while pregnant, and it’s not always due to slippery conditions. Sometimes it's simply a matter of your center of gravity shifting, or a combination of weight gain, a protruding pregnant belly or because of a softening of your ligaments and joints during pregnancy. Whatever the reason, slips and falls are not always a cause for alarm.

Baby is safe and warm

Unless you take a blow to the abdomen or bounce on your belly, your unborn baby is very well protected. The amniotic sac filled with fluid acts as a protective barrier, as does your uterine muscles, and abdominal cavity. It is very rare for your unborn baby to suffer injury from a fall, especially if it’s on your backside.

So what should you do if you fall? 

• Call your doctor. They may want to monitor your condition for both you and your baby’s well-being. They may also be able to help ease your fears.
• Watch for any vaginal bleeding, leaking fluid or contracting. Bleeding and contracting could be a sign of injury to the placenta. Trauma to the abdomen can cause the placenta to pull away from the uterine wall, and that requires immediate attention. 
• Monitor your baby’s movement. Let your doctor know if you feel any increase or decrease in baby’s activity.
• If you suffer any bruises from your fall, try ice and a warm bath to ease your aches. Tylenol can also help with pain relief.

Staying stable and upright

When you start to feel a little wobbly later in your pregnancy, it’s time to start taking better precautions. Ditch the heels and choose footwear that will help you stay steady. Snow boots can help you keep your grip when the weather is dicey, and think twice about floppy slippers while inside the house.

Most women start to feel a little clumsy as they reach the final stages. Take the steps necessary to stay on your feet. As always, if you have any concerns, including those from a fall, call any of our OB/GYNs at the Methodist Physicians Clinic Women’s Center at (402) 815-1700.