How to Prevent Injuries During Pregnancy

Injuries can happen during pregnancy. Minor falls and accidents usually do not harm you or your baby. But some injuries can harm you and your baby. Tell your doctor about any injury you suffer.

What can I do to avoid injuries?

Safety

• Remove rugs and loose objects on the floor.
• Wear comfortable shoes that have a good grip. Do not wear shoes that have high heels.
• Always wear your seat belt in the car. The lap belt should be below your belly. Always drive safely.
• Do not ride on a motorcycle.

Activity

• Do not take part in rough and violent activities or sports.
• Avoid:
  • Walking on wet or slippery floors.
  • Lifting heavy pots of boiling or hot liquids.
  • Fixing electrical problems.
  • Being near fires.

General instructions

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your doctor.
• Know your blood type and the blood type of the baby’s father.
• If you are a victim of domestic violence:
  • Call your local emergency services (911 in the U.S.).
  • Contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline for help and support.

Get help right away if:

• You fall on your belly or receive any serious blow to your belly.
• You have a stiff neck or neck pain after a fall or an injury.
• You get a headache or have problems with vision after an injury.
• You do not feel the baby move or the baby is not moving as much as normal.
• You have been a victim of domestic violence or any other kind of attack.
• You have been in a car accident.
• You have bleeding from your vagina.
• Fluid is leaking from your vagina.
• You start to have cramping or pain in your belly (contractions).
• You have very bad pain in your lower back.
• You feel weak or pass out (faint).
• You start to throw up (vomit) after an injury.
• You have been burned.

Summary

• Some injuries that happen during pregnancy can do harm to the baby.
• Tell your doctor about any injury.
• Take steps to avoid injury. This includes removing rugs and loose objects on the floor. Always wear your seat belt in the car.
• Do not take part in rough and violent activities or sports.
• Get help right away if you have any serious accident or injury.