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what to do if you hit your stomach?

Pregnancy is a time of joyful expectation and, at the same time, excitement. And one of the hot topics for all pregnant women is what happens if you hit your stomach or fall on it? None of us is immune from falls and bruises under the usual circumstances, and when our body, as happens with a future mother, rapidly changes its usual dimensions, this probability only increases. She stumbled, hurt herself, fell, did not fit into a corner or an opening - these and other life situations, so familiar and not riveting our attention in everyday reality, suddenly begin to seem dangerous for the expectant mother, who strives with all her might to take care and protect her unborn baby . So what to do if such a nuisance did occur?

A little bit of anatomy: protection for the baby perfectly designed by nature

For starters, don't panic! After all, the calm state of the mother in itself has a positive effect on her entire body and hormonal background - and, therefore, on the baby. Of course, during pregnancy it is worth avoiding any traumatic situations in every possible way, but if something has already happened, it is worth remembering: just as we try to take care of our children, nature has already taken care of us. The expectant mother has already incorporated the protection of the baby from any kind of negligence. First of all, the amniotic sac, consisting of dense connective tissue, which forms a kind of sac filled with amniotic fluid, the amount of which during pregnancy ranges from 0.5 to 1 liter, saves the baby from mechanical damage. In addition to him, the child is protected by the elastic muscles of the uterus and the walls of the abdominal cavity, and in the early stages it is also protected by the pelvic bones. Therefore, before the fifth month of pregnancy, it is almost impossible to harm the baby when falling. It is not until the fifth month that the uterus enlarges enough to leave the safe space between the pelvic bones.

Abdominal trauma and gestational age

If the blow is aimed directly at the stomach, then even in the early stages certain problems may arise. Note that accidental falls and injuries to the abdomen that are the result of a pregnant woman's clumsiness usually do not harm the fetus. For something really bad to happen, there must be a certain force of impact or its very specific focus - right on the pregnant uterus. The unpleasant thing is that the consequences of an impact can be delayed in time. And the risk of adverse effects increases with the duration of pregnancy. The higher the bottom of the uterus (as its upper part is called), the more “open” it is for outside influences. And if in the middle of pregnancy the baby is small and most of the internal space is occupied by water, protecting the baby from any blow, then by the end of the term the baby is already clearly outlined inside the pregnant belly, and the small amount of water in comparison with its mass no longer protects it so much from adverse external factors.

What are warning signs and when to see a doctor

First of all, look for any unusual vaginal discharge - especially bloody or watery, which can be one of the signs of water breakage. Pharmacies sell water leakage tests, it is useful to have one with you just in case. Any pain in the lower abdomen or in the lower back should also alert. Spasms or sharp contractions of the uterus can also be considered an alarm. Pay attention to the presence of dizziness, darkening in the eyes, clouding of consciousness, sudden weakness. All this may be the result of internal bleeding (for example, with placental abruption), as a result of which blood pressure drops sharply, which cannot but affect the well-being of the expectant mother.

If you do not feel any changes in your health, nothing hurts anywhere, the baby behaves as usual, then you should not worry. However, be sure to schedule a visit to the gynecologist to rule out any hidden problems that can only be revealed with the help of special studies.

First aid for abdominal injuries during pregnancy

First of all, you should assess your condition and the presumed condition of the child. If the injury is not accompanied by bleeding, pain, increased number of uterine contractions, you can lie down and follow the baby's behavior - has it changed compared to the usual one? Did he become less active if he was already moving? It is important to remember that in such a situation one should not lie on the stomach, because in this position the enlarged uterus can compress the inferior vena cava (this is true mainly in the middle of pregnancy), as well as on the back - for the same reason (in the later stages, when the mass uterus reaches significant values).

If something causes concern, it is best to call an ambulance immediately. If the state of strong anxiety does not cause, you can go to the doctor yourself - he will arrange a preventive examination, and you can definitely feel calmer. The doctor should examine you and evaluate the condition of the baby, as well as make sure that the placenta is functioning properly. The type of diagnosis used by the doctor will also depend on how far along the pregnancy is.

Remember that your excessive anxiety will provoke the release of adrenaline into the blood, which, in turn, will cause an increase in heart rate and pressure, while the uterus will not receive proper blood supply, because all the blood in such situations is directed to ensure the vital activity of the most important organs - brain and lungs. Therefore, your first task in any scenario will be to calm down as much as possible. This is really important for you and for your child.

How to reduce the risk of abdominal injury during pregnancy

It is possible to take measures to prevent falls and bruises of the abdomen during pregnancy in advance. It is important to wear suitable clothing and footwear. Clothing should not restrict movement, and shoes should have high or unstable heels. Always hold on to something when moving through unsafe spaces such as public transport. Choose a level road where there is a minimum of chances for trips, slips, etc. Do not lift heavy; when carrying anything, try to make sure that you can see the space in front of you as much as possible.

During pregnancy, you should try to be as careful as possible, not to expose yourself to unnecessary risks, because during this period you are responsible not only for your life. Visit the doctor in a timely manner to always be sure that everything is in order with your baby. Have an easy pregnancy!

You can clarify all your questions regarding pregnancy on our forum

If the mother suddenly fell / Waiting for a baby

Roads get slippery during off-season. And expectant mothers should be especially careful: after all, the worst thing for them is not so much the possibility of getting hurt themselves, but rather disturbing the one who lives in the tummy.

Natural protection

“Slipped”, “hurted”, “collided with someone” - forums for expectant mothers are literally full of disturbing questions “what will happen now?” and “did I harm the baby?”. Today we will try to find out what gynecologists think about this, and how well the baby is protected in his temporary home.

Of course, a fall is a very unpleasant event during pregnancy. And the expectant mother needs to beware of situations associated with any injuries in every possible way. Indeed, in some cases, falls and injuries do lead to very sad consequences. However, in reality, it is difficult to find at least one pregnant woman who has not once collided with someone or inadvertently hit something on her stomach for all nine months. That is why the special protection of the baby in the mother's stomach is laid down by nature.

The amniotic sac, the membranes of which consist of dense connective tissue and amniotic fluid, the amount of which varies from 0.5 to 1 liter, depending on the duration of pregnancy, saves the baby from mechanical damage. In addition, the baby is protected by the elastic muscles of the uterus, the walls of the abdominal cavity, and in the early stages also the bones of the pelvis. Therefore, it is almost impossible to damage it when dropped. Only by the fifth month of pregnancy, the uterus increases so much that it goes beyond the border protected by the pelvic bones, which increases the likelihood of mechanical damage. However, this does not mean at all that the natural protection of the baby is one hundred percent, and the fall excludes the possibility of serious consequences, such as a miscarriage or the onset of premature birth. The consequences of the clumsiness of the expectant mother can be delayed in time and rather unpleasant. However, they occur only in those rare cases when a direct traumatic effect is directly on the pregnant uterus (falling directly on the stomach, car accident, accident), and the risk of adverse effects is directly proportional to the gestational age.

HOW TO DO A FALL

If you have fallen or hit your stomach hard, you should carefully listen to your well-being. You should not immediately rise to your feet: sit or lie down for a few minutes, not paying attention to the reaction of passers-by. Come to your senses and don't panic. Panic will not help in this situation.

If you experience any pain, dizziness, or vaginal discharge, water breaks, and contractions begin, call an ambulance or call for help immediately.

WHAT TO WARN OUT:

The appearance of bloody discharge from the vagina (this symptom may indicate placental abruption).

Water from the genital tract (possibly injured fetal bladder).

Feeling of sharp pain in the lower abdomen, lower back or uterine cramps.

THE DOCTOR WILL HELP

If you do not feel any changes, nothing hurts and the baby moves in its previous mode: you should not call your friends and listen to dubious “horror stories”. It is better to pay a visit to the gynecologist who is observing you and to exclude all “what if something is wrong” completely. The doctor will listen to the baby's heartbeat, if necessary, prescribe ultrasound, dopplerography and cardiotocography to make sure that everything is fine with your little one.

But first of all, it is worth treating possible abrasions on the arms or legs that may appear during a fall. Such actions will exclude the possibility of infection in your body.

Medical Consultant of Independent Laboratory INVITRO Nona Hovsepyan

Injuries, falls during pregnancy can be not only due to an accident, collision with something or someone, but also due to certain changes that occur in the body of the expectant mother. The fact is that the changed general hormonal background during pregnancy affects the redistribution of blood flow, when part of the blood flow is directed to nourish the unborn baby and the growing uterus. This condition can lead to a decrease in blood pressure, which in turn is often accompanied by hypoxia (lack of oxygen). This explains the frequent fainting in pregnant women. Particularly careful should be those women who, even before pregnancy, had low blood pressure and had frequent fainting.

Weakness, fatigue, frequent dizziness, leading to falls, can occur with anemia (decreased hemoglobin level), this is one of the common pathological conditions of pregnancy.

Therefore, the elimination of somatic (organic) causes of falling during pregnancy significantly reduces the risk of various injuries, bruises during pregnancy.

9 tips for a future mother

1. Going for a walk, always take your husband or girlfriend with you, do not go for a walk alone.
2. On stairs and escalators, hold on to the handrails. If you are afraid of turnstiles in the subway - enter through the "luggage" passage.
3. Climbing up and down the stairs, hold on to the railing and put your foot on the whole foot.
4. Refuse to wear shoes with heels and high wedges.
5. When walking, do not keep your hands in your pockets.
6. Choose bags with long shoulder straps so that your hands are always free.
7. On a questionable and slippery surface, move in small steps on slightly bent legs.
8. Learn to group: press your head to your chest and try to fall sideways, on your hip.
9. If you still fell, do not jump up sharply, it is better to recover for a few seconds and only then gradually rise. And don't be afraid to ask for help from those around you.

FIRST AID

The place of injury and (or) damage to the skin (wounds or abrasions) should be washed with running water and treated with hydrogen peroxide or brilliant green. It should be remembered that it is impossible to treat the wound itself with iodine, as it has a cauterizing effect, as a result of which healing is slower. After applying a weak bandage, something cold can be applied to the site of injury. It is better, of course, if it is ice, but you can use a piece of meat from the freezer or a plastic bottle with cold water.

In severe pain, you can take an anesthetic - of course, if the pain is not localized in the lower abdomen, but in the area of ​​damage. As an anesthetic drug, you can use a baralgin tablet.

In addition to the physical consequences of falls and bruises, the expectant mother may be worried about stress.

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