Injury to the belly during pregnancy

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Injury to the belly during pregnancy

Pregnant women can fall easily because they may not see something in front of their feet or their extra weight makes them off balance. Most falls are accidents, but it is important to let your doctor know if you have fallen down, especially if you hurt your belly in the fall. Motor vehicle accidents are a common cause of injuries to the belly during pregnancy.

An injury to the belly that is done on purpose can cause serious problems for your baby. Everyone gets angry from time to time. But anger that leads to threats, hitting, or hurting someone is not normal or healthy. This is a form of abuse. When it occurs between spouses, partners, or in a dating relationship, it is called domestic abuse or domestic violence. Domestic abuse is a pattern of abuse used by one person to control another. It can happen to anyone, at any age, no matter what race or religion they are, no matter what their level of education is, or how much money they make.

During pregnancy, abuse can cause problems such as poor weight gain, infections, and bleeding. It may increase your baby's chance of low birth weight, premature birth, and death.

Once abuse starts, it usually gets worse if steps are not taken to stop it. If you are in an abusive relationship, ask for help. This may be hard, but know you are not alone. The National Domestic Violence Hotline can help you find resources in your area. Call toll-free: 1-800-799-7233.

Credits

Last updated:	August 06, 2008
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine, Deborah A. Penava, BA, MD, FRCSC, MPH - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer