This time of year can be a little risky for pregnant women. Pregnancy can loosen ligaments and joints and shift your center of balance, which puts you at extra risk for falls. Add icy sidewalks and parking lots to the mix, and walking around outside can be downright nerve-wracking. I always took extra precautions when I was pregnant. Here are a few of my tips for preventing fall-related injuries when you are pregnant.
Hold hands. Whenever possible, if you have to walk across an icy parking lot, walk with someone else and hold hands. If you slip, they can help you keep your balance.
Avoid ice altogether. If you are riding with someone, have them drop you off at the front door when you are going somewhere so you do not have to walk across the icy parking lot at all. If you have a choice between walking on an icy driveway and the snow beside it, choose the snow for extra tracking.
Wear boots. Keep a pair of winter boots in the car so you always have someone to put on when it does get slippery. Boots will help keep you from slipping better than any other shoe will.
Keep the driveway shoveled and salted. Better yet, put this on your hubby’s to-do list. You can’t control your environment outside of your home, but you can keep your driveway relatively dry.
Take your time. When you do have to walk on slippery areas, just take your time. Leave your house earlier if you have to. It’s better to walk like a penguin than to fall and hurt yourself.
If you do fall, don’t post, or you could risk injuring your wrist or worse. Try to avoid falling on your stomach. If you fall on your rear, chances are your baby will be just fine; but if you fall you should check in with your doctor just in case.