Injury to the Belly During Pregnancy

When you are pregnant, an injury to your belly can be dangerous for your baby and for you. If you have any kind of injury to your belly, let your doctor know right away.

Pregnancy raises your risk of falling because it is difficult to see something in front of your feet and the extra weight throws off your balance. It is important to let your doctor know if you have fallen down.

Motor vehicle accidents are another common cause of injuries to the belly during pregnancy.

An injury to the belly that is done on purpose is a very serious problem. 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 or 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 the person is, no matter what the person's level of education is, or how much money the person makes.

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.