It happened when I was going down the steps in my home: my socked foot slipped off the edge of the stair and I fell on my butt. Fortunately I did not fall any farther down the stairway, but I nearly had a heart attack and I was worried for the safety of my baby. I was about six or seven months pregnant at the time. The baby and I were okay, but I was much more careful about stairs after that.
A fall during pregnancy can be dangerous for both mom and baby, but mostly for mom. In most cases, the baby is protected by plenty of cushioning in the mother’s womb, but the mother can suffer from sprains or other injuries. It’s particularly easy for a pregnant woman to lose her balance and fall due to the shift of her center of gravity and loose joints.
To prevent falling, a pregnant woman should take several precautions:
1. When taking the stairs, hold the railing and take it slow. Never carry awkward or heavy objects up and down the stairs. When I was pregnant, I always had my husband carry the laundry from the upstairs bedroom to the laundry room downstairs and back. If the stairs are slippery or steep, have your partner or a friend assist you. Steps outside can be tricky, especially if they are damaged (cracks or holes) or are covered in ice.
2. This may seem obvious, but avoid running. If you have a small child that likes to run away, avoid areas where you would need to chase him down or take someone with you that can catch them.
3. Wear flat, supportive shoes. High heals are probably not a good idea when you are pregnant. Ballet flats are in style and are a nice alternative to high heals. They come in a variety of styles, both casual and dressy.
4. If there is ice on the ground, have someone walk with you and offer an arm. If you are visiting a place with a large parking lot, have whoever is driving pull you up to the doors to minimize the chance of slipping on ice.
5. Keep your sidewalks clean and free of debris.
6. Keep the floor in your home clean and free of obstacles such as toys or bags. Mop up spills on hardwood, linoleum, cement or tile floors right away.
7. Be extra cautious when getting in and out of the shower. Move slowly and hold onto any support available.
8. Avoid exercises or activities that are more prone to causing falls, such as roller skating, skiing, or yoga (certain poses).