Hit to the belly during pregnancy : when should you be concerned?

Getting hit in the belly during pregnancy is not always harmless. What kinds of impacts should worry you? What signs should you watch for? When should you consult a gynecologist or a midwife?

Hit to the belly during pregnancy: here’s what you need to know.

Hits to the belly during pregnancy: what are we talking about?

Unfortunately, zero risk does not exist, and you may experience a blow to the abdominal area during pregnancy. This type of incident can happen in everyday situations: a fall, an accidental hit from a child, an animal, or an object, a wrong movement, or even unintentional pressure on the belly, for example during a hug or while in public transportation.

Rest assured, though—only a fairly strong impact can truly pose a problem. There’s no need to worry about a light bump during pregnancy. The abdominal wall, the uterus, and the amniotic fluid form an effective protective barrier for the fetus.

The blows that require particular attention are those causing a significant impact directly on the belly: a fall, a car accident, a strong hit (intentional or not, human or accidental)…

Hit to the belly during pregnancy: what are the risks for your baby and you?

A hit to the belly during pregnancy can, in rare cases, lead to complications. Here are the main risks you should know:

• Placental abruption: a strong impact can cause a partial or complete detachment of the placenta from the uterine wall, leading to significant bleeding and endangering your health and the health of your fetus.
• Transfer of fetal blood into maternal circulation: known as fetomaternal hemorrhage, which may affect fetal health (risk of anemia).
• Premature rupture of the amniotic sac: risk of preterm delivery, especially before 37 weeks of amenorrhea (WA), requiring quick medical care.
• Premature contractions: an impact may trigger contractions, with the risk of preterm labor.
• Maternal injuries: bruising or pelvic pain may occur after a strong impact.
• Miscarriage: early-pregnancy trauma may exceptionally cause the expulsion of the embryo in the case of a very severe impact.

Severity also depends on the stage of pregnancy. An impact generally presents fewer risks in early pregnancy. The uterus is still very small and positioned low, making it unlikely to receive a direct hit in that area.

Want to learn more? Feel free to download the May app, where you’ll find plenty of resources to support and guide you throughout your pregnancy.

When should you worry about a hit to the belly during pregnancy?

After experiencing a hit to the belly during pregnancy, certain signs should alert you and justify a quick consultation with a gynecologist or a midwife.

What to do after a hit to the belly during pregnancy

As mentioned earlier, the abdominal wall, uterus, and amniotic fluid provide natural protection for your baby. Only a significant impact or a fall presents risks that require a visit to your maternity emergency department. In any case, whether early or late in pregnancy, try not to panic. Here are a few tips to help you assess the situation:

• Stay calm: lie down comfortably. This promotes good blood flow to the placenta and supports your baby’s well-being.
• Observe how you feel: pay attention to abdominal pain, contractions, nausea, or other unusual symptoms.
• Monitor your baby’s movements: starting in the second trimester, try to notice if your baby is moving normally. If you’re unsure, eat something sweet and rest, as this can stimulate fetal activity.
• Check for bleeding or unusual discharge: clear fluid or blood from the vagina should get your attention.

Symptoms to watch for

Some unusual symptoms occurring after a hit to the belly during pregnancy require special attention. Here are the main warning signs not to ignore:

• Vaginal bleeding: regardless of color, amount, or stage of pregnancy, any unusual bleeding requires a visit to the maternity emergency department.
• Persistent or intense abdominal pain: pain that does not improve with rest or that worsens should prompt an immediate consultation.
• Loss of amniotic fluid: clear, abundant, or even light watery discharge may indicate a rupture or leak of the amniotic sac. This is an emergency, especially before 37 weeks of amenorrhea.
• Reduced or absent fetal movements: if you feel that your baby is moving less or not at all, lie down, eat something sweet, and monitor. If nothing changes within an hour, go to the emergency department for a check-up.
• Regular or painful contractions: before 37 WA, painful and frequent contractions are concerning as they may signal preterm labor.
• Unusual general symptoms: a fever over 100.4°F (38°C), intense nausea, vomiting, persistent headaches, or vision or hearing disturbances may indicate a more serious problem.

Never hesitate to seek help. It’s better to consult “for nothing” than to overlook a potentially risky situation for you or your baby. Emergency professionals may perform an ultrasound, fetal monitoring, or a Kleihauer test (a test used to detect and measure fetomaternal hemorrhage) to check your baby’s well-being, the condition of the placenta, the amniotic fluid, and the cervix.

How to protect your pregnancy?

To protect your belly as best as possible during pregnancy, here are a few simple steps to reduce everyday risks, no matter which trimester you’re in:

• Avoid risky situations: whenever possible, choose calm places and avoid crowded areas where accidental bumps are more likely.
• Adapt your environment: make your home safer to avoid falls. If you frequently tripped on a particular rug, bumped into the same table corner, or stumbled over objects on the stairs before pregnancy, try to fix these issues to reduce the risk.
• Be mindful during daily activities: bend your knees when picking something up, avoid lifting heavy loads, and limit sudden movements. Also, when getting up at night, make sure to turn on sufficient lighting to move safely.
• Inform those around you: don’t hesitate to explain to your loved ones—especially children—that your belly is more vulnerable now.
• Be cautious with animals: although the risk is low, an accidental hit is still possible.

In summary, a hit to the belly during pregnancy should not be taken lightly, but a mild bump is usually harmless. Everything depends on the force of the impact. Take time to observe your symptoms, and if you have any doubt at all, don’t hesitate to seek medical advice quickly.

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Photo credits: rthanuthattaphong | kryzhov | valuavitaly | PerfectAngleImages

This text was translated from French by an artificial intelligence. The information, advice, and sources it contains comply with French standards and may therefore not apply to your situation. Make sure to complement this reading by visiting the May US/UK app and consulting the healthcare professionals who are supporting you.