Expectant mothers have to take the required precautions in order to protect their unborn children. Yet, accidents can and also do occur. The effect of the accident injury would much depend upon the stage of pregnancy, and of course, how much impact the child will suffer when something does happen.
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Here are a few common accidents:
Heavy lifting
It is indeed never a good idea for pregnant women to do any sort of heavy lifting. This is on account of ligaments loosening up and also one’s joints becoming rather less stable during the time of pregnancy. As one’s belly grows bigger, gravity does indeed shift forward thus putting a lot of strain on one’s back. Moms are often at risk of obstetric problems, specifically those who are susceptible to preterm labor or even miscarriage.
Women who happen to have a low-lying placenta do run the risk of placental bleeding, while those who have a short cervix need to take special care.
If you are going to do any heavy lifting, it is important to take special precautions. One must bend from one’s knees while keeping one’s back straight; this way, one’s body will be forced to make use of one’s leg muscles instead of one’s back muscles. One must carry the load close to one’s body, but if one feels the strain then the object is too heavy.
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Falling
Falls do occur during pregnancy as one’s center of gravity has shifted. Most often, it is usually the moms who do sustain the injuries, rather than their babies, on account of the protective amniotic fluid. Fetuses that do lie in amniotic fluid are rather cushioned and are generally protected from impact trauma. In case, one falls, one does experience spotting, swelling, or contractions, or if one cannot feel the baby moving it is important to consult the doctor immediately.
It is also important to inform one’s doctor of what actually happened. Even if one had a minor fall one must inform one’s doctor. The best way to avoid falling is to be able to do things slowly as well as carefully. Avoid rushing when one is pregnant. One must be careful when one is walking down the stairs, and hold on to any form of support that has been provided even if it means someone’s arm. Also avoid taking part in any such activities that could cause one to fall, especially in the late stages of pregnancy.
Car accidents
Most women are careful about wearing seatbelts when driving, but protecting pregnant women in an accident is indeed a challenge. One of the biggest problems in a car accident is sitting on the steering wheel; as one’s tummy does grow larger and the closer it sits to the wheel, there is much impact on the tummy in case of an accident.
The further one gets into pregnancy, the greater the impact, as there is the risk of the premature rupture of membranes, preterm labor, or perhaps even an abruption of the placenta thus (separating placenta).
In order to ensure safer driving, one can wear one’s seatbelt correctly. One must make sure that the straps do cross over one’s shoulder and that the bottom part is indeed strapped over one’s hips, under one’s belly. It is necessary to move the car seat as far back as possible, while also ensuring it is still possible for one to drive safely.
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