Pregnancy not only changes the pregnant woman’s body, but also changes the way she walks. Who hasn’t heard the old saying that every pregnant woman must fall at least once during pregnancy? Popular wisdom may have some truth to it, as a woman’s center of gravity shifts throughout pregnancy1, which can cause trouble maintaining balance and make falls during pregnancy a significant risk.

Knowing this, it is no surprise that 25% of pregnant women experience a fall during pregnancy and 10% of these women fall more than once.

Protective Body

Fortunately, the female body was designed to protect the baby from injury. This includes cushioning provided by the amniotic fluid2 and by the strong muscles of the uterus.

A fall can happen to anyone, but if it happens to a pregnant woman, it is important to know some facts, the risks, and what to do.

What Are the Risks of a Fall During Pregnancy?

The uterus will probably not experience any permanent damage or trauma from a minor fall. But if the fall is significant or happens from a certain angle, the pregnant woman may experience some complications.

Main Complications

Examples of possible complications related to falls during pregnancy include:

  • Placental abruption;
  • Fractures of the pregnant woman’s bones;
  • Post-fall mental confusion;
  • Ruptured amniotic sac.

Why Do Falls Happen During Pregnancy?

There is no way to say that every woman will have a fall during pregnancy, but it’s important to know that pregnancy can make you more vulnerable. This occurs due to several factors:

  • Change in center of gravity – the growing belly makes it harder to balance as the center of gravity shifts. Therefore, the chances of falling increase, especially on uneven surfaces.
  • Pregnancy hormones – the hormone relaxin helps relax joints and ligaments for childbirth, but also affects movement and walking. Looser joints can cause instability in your feet, making falling more likely.
  • Hypoglycemia and low blood pressure – both are common during pregnancy, and can also make women feel dizzy and lose balance while walking.

Other factors that contribute to falls during pregnancy:

  • Excessive exhaustion
  • General discomfort
  • “Pregnancy brain” or a distracted mind
  • Tiredness or overload
  • Swollen feet

Can a Fall During Pregnancy Harm the Baby?

If the fall is not severe enough to cause serious injury to the mother, it is likely that the baby will not experience any injury, as the baby is well protected by:

  • The amniotic sac and its fluid, which cushions impact;
  • Uterine muscles;
  • Abdominal muscles and fat;
  • The pelvic bone.

The combination of all these structures reduces the movement of the baby inside the uterus and helps minimize risks in minor accidents. If the fall is more severe and causes serious injury to the mother, the baby is also likely to be affected.

When Should You Seek Medical Help?

In most cases, a small fall is not enough to cause a problem for mother or baby. But there are some symptoms that indicate she should seek medical assistance. These include:

If you have these or other symptoms after a fall, it’s important to seek medical help as soon as possible.

At the Doctor’s Office

After a fall, the first thing the doctor will do is check for any injuries that may require treatment. This may include a broken or sprained bone, or any chest injury that might affect breathing.

After that, they will assess the baby. Some tests that may be performed include listening to and measuring the baby’s heartbeats using a Doppler ultrasound.

The doctor may also ask whether the pregnant woman has noticed any changes that could indicate concern for the baby, such as contractions, uterine bleeding, or abdominal pain.

Continuous monitoring of the baby may be requested through cardiotocography, which monitors both contractions and the baby’s heart rate3.

With this information, the doctor can determine if either the mother or baby are experiencing any complications, such as placental abruption or a slow heart rate.

Lab tests such as a complete blood count and Rh factor may also be recommended. This is because women who have an Rh negative blood type may be at risk of internal bleeding that could affect the baby.

How to Avoid Future Falls?

Sometimes falls can’t be fully prevented, but some steps can help reduce the risk of falling during pregnancy:

  • The pregnant woman should not avoid physical activity for fear of falling. Instead, try regular activities on flat surfaces, like a treadmill, to improve agility during pregnancy;
  • To avoid slipping, be careful on wet surfaces or where liquids have spilled.
  • Wear shoes with a grippy or non-slip sole.
  • Avoid wearing very high heels or flat shoes that are easy to trip over.
  • Use safety measures such as holding the handrail while going down stairs.
  • Avoid carrying heavy loads that block your view of your feet.
  • Walk on level surfaces whenever possible and avoid walking on grassy areas.
  • Have small, frequent meals throughout the day and always carry a snack in your bag. This helps prevent drops in blood pressure and blood sugar.

Throughout pregnancy, your doctor will continue to monitor the baby’s position, as well as the placenta. Attending all prenatal care visits and keeping an eye out for any conditions that may arise during pregnancy can help ensure a healthy baby. If you are reading this because you have just had a fall during pregnancy and are worried about your health and your baby’s, call your doctor or seek medical care as soon as possible.

I’d also like to share some news for our readers who are moms planning for another baby in the future or who have friends who are trying to get pregnant. We have developed some products that help with fertility for men and women, including pre-conception vitamins for women, FamiPré, and for men, FamiUp, as well as ovulation tests, pregnancy tests, and FamiGel lubricant. You can find them here in our online store.

See Also: High-Risk Pregnancy – Which Cases Are Considered?

Photos: DanielReche