A tumble or fall during pregnancy can sometimes be chocked up to a case of clumsiness, thanks to loosening ligaments and joints plus that big ol’ belly throwing you off balance. Add to that the fact that you’re also likely exhausted and preoccupied by your growing pre-baby to-do list — and just as dreams of tiny baby booties are dancing in your head, you miss the curb and fall smack on your baby bump.
While falling during pregnancy can certainly be annoying and even painful, it’s not at all uncommon. Usually a fall is a minor concern and it’s rare that your baby will be harmed. Your amazing uterus, which is lined with strong muscles filled with amniotic fluid, can cushion most blows.[1]
However, be sure to tell your practitioner you’ve fallen, even if the incident didn't seem serious. In some cases, especially during the late second and early third trimester (and if there’s direct trauma to your abdomen), you'll want to be seen by your doctor.
Here’s more about what can happen if you do fall while pregnant, as well as some ways to prevent accidental falls from occurring in the first place.
What happens if you fall while pregnant?
Falls aren’t uncommon when you're pregnant, and chances are everything will be okay with both you and your baby. But be sure to talk to your practitioner right away to discuss the spill and confirm that everything is fine.
At every stage of pregnancy, your belly is meant to withstand some pretty tough circumstances in order to protect your baby.
For one, your little bundle is surrounded by shock-absorbing amniotic fluid and a muscular uterus, plus sturdy membranes and your abdominal cavity (which is made up of muscle and bones). It would likely take a severe accident for any blow to penetrate beyond all those protective layers and affect your baby.
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Depending on the injury, most doctors will order fetal heart rate monitoring and a sonogram to confirm everything is okay. But you should head to the emergency room immediately if the fall is concerning or severe.
In serious but rare cases, a fall during pregnancy could cause you to experience contractions, the loss of amniotic fluid and the separation of the placenta from the inner wall of the uterus (placental abruption), which is a major obstetrical emergency.
Seek immediate care if you have:
- Vaginal bleeding
- Abdominal pain
- Uterine contractions
- You can’t feel baby moving inside of you
If there is bleeding and you’re Rh negative, you will also need a RhoGAM shot to protect your baby (the medicine will stop your blood from making antibodies that attack Rh positive blood cells).
Why accidental falls happen
There are a lot of reasons why pregnancy — particularly the third trimester — may trip you up.[2]
For one, your growing belly shifts your center of gravity forward, making it harder for you to stay upright, especially on uneven surfaces like a sidewalk curb.
What’s more, the closer you get to delivery, the looser your joints become due to the pregnancy hormone relaxin. This hormone is an important one, because it enables the joints and connective tissues in your pelvis and cervix to stretch during delivery — making it easier to push your baby out. But until then, your loose joints can also make you unstable on your feet (read: clumsy) and more likely to have an accidental fall.
And don’t forget: You’re likely tired, uncomfortable, dizzy, preoccupied and overwhelmed (pregnancy will do that to you!) — all of which would put anyone at an increased risk for a stumble or two.
How to prevent falling while pregnant
Sometimes a fall can’t be prevented. But by taking a few precautions and adopting new habits, you might be able to avoid falling while pregnant. Here are some smart tips to try:
- Choose flats over heels. Flat shoes, sneakers or low wedges are safer choices than tippy heels. But watch out for flip-flops, which are flat but can be unstable for walking.
- Remove or tape down tripping hazards. To prevent falls at home, remove or tape down loose throw rugs (or attach a no-slip pad underneath) and keep toys, books and magazines off the floor.
- Use the railings. It seems obvious, but make a habit of always holding the rail for extra support as you walk up and down stairs. It would also be a good idea to install bathtub and shower bars so that you have something to hold onto as you get into and out of the bath.
- Go slowly. There’s no need to speed-walk when you’re expecting! Instead, take your time as you move about the house or while doing errands.
- Seek smooth pathways. Sidewalks are your best bet for walking rather than uneven surfaces like grass or bumpy trails in the woods.
- Skip heavy loads. Don’t be a hero by carrying that huge laundry basket. Instead, share the work with family members whenever you can.
- Bike in place. If you love to cycle, stick to indoor cycling since your growing middle can challenge your balance, making it riskier to ride a standard bike outside.
- Keep your energy up. Stash good-for-you snacks and a small water bottle in your purse or desk so you head off any dizziness caused by low blood sugar or thirst. Have you been feeling fatigued? Make sure to take lots of breaks during the day to rest and revive.
A fall during pregnancy can seem scary, but in most cases your body should be up to the task of protecting your growing baby. Just be sure to share any news right away with your doctor or seek immediate emergency care if you’re concerned or have symptoms noted above.
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