Falling during pregnancy can harm both the mother and the baby in the womb. Therefore, pregnant women need to be more careful so that this does not happen. Come on, Pregnant women, find out how to prevent falls while pregnant here!
In fact, nearly 90% of women who fall during pregnancy do not require medical treatment. However, there are some dangers that are feared from falling during pregnancy, so these events need to be avoided as much as possible.
Unfortunately, pregnant women are among those who are prone to falls. This is because the body's center of gravity changes as the pregnancy progresses, making it more difficult for pregnant women to maintain balance.
The Danger of Falling During Pregnancy
Actually, the body of pregnant women has its own safeguards to protect the baby from injury, namely strong abdominal muscles and a cushion in the form of amniotic fluid in the uterus. The existence of this protection is very useful in minimizing the possibility of injury to the fetus.
However, this cannot be a reason not to be aware of pregnancy complications due to falls, let alone falls that cause direct pressure on the abdomen. Some of the possible complications that arise from falling during pregnancy are:
- Fracture
- Placental abruption, which is the separation of the placenta from the uterine wall
- Injury to the fetal skull
- ruptured membranes
The complications above can endanger the safety of the fetus, so they must be addressed as soon as possible. Danger signs that pregnant women need to be aware of and must be checked immediately after a fall include:
- Bleeding from the vagina or amniotic fluid flowing
- Excruciating pain, especially in the abdomen, uterus, and pubic bones
- Can't feel the baby's movements as usual
- Regular contractions
Tips for Preventing Falls During Pregnancy
Although the body undergoes changes that affect balance, falling during pregnancy can actually be prevented. The following are some ways that can help pregnant women avoid falling:
1. Always pay attention to the surrounding conditions
Pregnant women need to be extra careful at all times. Avoid wet and slippery floor surfaces or uneven surfaces. When going down stairs, always hold the pedestal at the edge of the stairs. Avoid carrying a lot of items that make it difficult for pregnant women to see their feet. No less important is to avoid walking while looking at your phone.
2. Rearrange things at home
Place the items in the house so that the house becomes more spacious. Remove running cables and furniture that block walking areas in the house. Also avoid using slippery carpets or mats, and place lights in poorly lit areas.
3. Use comfortable footwear
Flat shoes or sneakers is the most appropriate footwear used during pregnancy. Avoid using shoes with high heels, especially if pregnant women are not used to it. Also, feet that tend to get bigger during pregnancy may need new shoes of a more appropriate size.
4. Make sure you eat and drink enough
Lack of eating and drinking can lead to low blood sugar and dehydration. Both of these things can lower the pregnant woman's ability to concentrate and make her weak, making her more prone to falling. Therefore, pregnant women are advised to eat snacks between main meals and drink enough water.
5. Stand up slowly
During pregnancy, the enlarged uterus can put pressure on the large blood vessels in the abdomen. This can cause you to feel dizzy if you stand up too fast and increase your risk of falling.
Preventing falls during pregnancy will certainly be better than having to treat it. Therefore, apply the methods described above to avoid complications that can harm the fetus
However, falls during pregnancy can still occur even though the pregnant woman has done her best to prevent it. If a fall is unavoidable, you should immediately consult a gynecologist even if there are no symptoms, especially if the pregnant woman is in her second trimester and approaching the third trimester..
