Nothing prepares you for an unexpected trauma especially whilst pregnant. Abdominal trauma in pregnancy not only causes pain and injury for you but the risk to the unborn baby can lead to catastrophic outcomes including placental abruption and possible stillbirth. But what is classed to be blunt trauma? How protected is your baby in the womb?

In-Depth: Abdominal Trauma In Pregnancy

Abdominal trauma in pregnancy involves serious injury to the mother’s abdomen, and to prevent it, pregnant women should practice road safety, maintain home safety, exercise caution during physical activities, and seek support in case of domestic violence.

Trauma such as road traffic accidents is the most common cause of abdominal trauma during pregnancy, followed by falls and physical violence. Major trauma to the abdomen especially in the third trimester is the cause of 80% of fetal mortality. Blunt force directed at a pregnant belly can cause placental abruption and missed signs of shock.

Pregnancy and Trauma

There is no worse nightmare than having an accident that could lead to abdominal trauma in pregnancy. Our bodies are built to sustain the growth of another human yet when the unexpected happens the first thought running through any mom’s mind would be ‘is my baby ok?’

This article isn’t about those minor accidents and bumps caused by everyday mishaps, we are talking about serious trauma. Enough to consider whether your baby will survive the blow. But what is considered trauma? How do you prepare for the outcome, be it good or bad?

What Is Abdominal Trauma In Pregnancy?

Abdominal trauma is serious, according to Mayo Clinic it is the most common cause of death amongst moms affecting 7% of pregnancies with a massive 80% mortality rate for the baby.

Trauma can be categorized into minor and major. So we have uncovered the meaning behind what each category means.

Major Abdominal Trauma

Major abdominal trauma is extremely serious. Car accidents are the most common. We are not looking at the minor fender benders here. A nasty car accident that leads to major abdominal trauma is responsible for up to 50% of cases. Be it an air bag or blunt force on your belly they can be responsible for many prenatal complications.

Being in a car accident or the recipient of a strong belly blow can cause

Placental abruption.
Preterm labor.
Preterm delivery.
Uterine rupture.
Pelvic fracture.

Any of these conditions can hinder the survival rate of an unborn baby.

Minor Abdominal Trauma

Minor abdominal trauma during pregnancy still carries extreme risk but is less likely to end in mortality. As a pregnant woman enters the third trimester her shape is now totally different carrying what resembles a watermelon or large pumpkin on her front. This shifts the inner balance we once had making us more prone to falls and trips.

Injury from falling is classed as minor as subconsciously a woman who is pregnant naturally twists or turns to protect their unborn baby. Doing this protects the baby but can cause severe injury such as strains, broken bones, etc.

Accidents or unintentional trauma to the abdomen will require a medical examination immediately to rule out any underlying conditions. Domestic violence is not classed as accidental. With violence in the home on the rise, women who are pregnant have to reach out for support and medical assessment no matter if they are convinced it was accidental, the reality is any violence is intentional.

Risk Involved

Abdominal trauma during pregnancy is as serious as it sounds. To fully understand the outcome of such trauma we have underpinned each condition that can be the result of any type of trauma.

Placental Abruption

Placental abruption is the biggest cause of fetal death. The force from any blunt trauma can shift the placenta forcing it from the uterine wall. As we know the placenta is the lifeline link between a woman and her baby so any damage to this organ can hinder the nutrients and oxygen the baby needs to survive.

Most common in the third trimester a mom facing abruption may suffer from:

Significant blood loss
Abdominal pain
Back pain
Contractions

In dire circumstances if left untreated both mom and baby can be in danger so if you suspect there is anything wrong at all during your pregnancy whether you have suffered a trauma or not, you have to seek medical attention. Only from an examination can the doctor rule out this condition and consider the next steps.

Preterm Labor

According to ACOG labor is considered preterm if contractions begin prior to 37 weeks. The cervix would also need to be thinning and dilating for it to be considered established labor.

Thanks to medicine and experts in their field preterm labor doesn’t mean that you will be delivering your baby. If caught early enough doctors can administer drugs to delay labor from progressing. The safest place for a preterm baby is in the womb so if doctors can prevent an early delivery they will but it would depend on the risk factors involved to both mom and baby.

Preterm Delivery

In some cases you will be too far advanced in labor for doctors to consider delaying medication. This results in preterm delivery.

Delivering a premature baby holds complications as the final weeks of pregnancy are important for strengthening the baby’s lungs and other vital organs. Being born prior to 37 weeks can lead to:

Breathing problems
Difficulties when feeding
Cerebral palsy
Hearing and vision problems
Developmental delay

According to CDC babies born before 32 weeks gestation have high mortality rates and also disability.

Uterine Rupture

Although rare uterine rupture can be a result of severe abdominal trauma. If the uterine wall suffers a blunt impact then it can cause the walls of the uterus to tear. Without the security of the womb, the unborn baby can slip into the moms abdomen leading to suffocation of the baby and extreme bleeding for the mom.

Healthline has found that less than 1% of pregnancies suffer a uterine rupture but it is more typical in those who have had scarring in the uterus from previous surgery.

Pelvic Fracture

Pelvic fractures happen in extreme cases of trauma. Your pelvis is under enough strain during pregnancy so adding a breakage in this link can be extremely painful and dangerous for both mom and baby.

An article published in 2013 stated that if a pelvic fracture is found then the life of the mom takes priority as treatment given to the mom will offer the best chance of survival for both.

Causes of Abdominal Trauma in Pregnancy

Understanding the causes of abdominal trauma in pregnancy can help you take precautions to minimize the risks. Common causes include:

Car accidents: As I mentioned earlier, car accidents are the leading cause of abdominal trauma during pregnancy. Always wear a seatbelt, ensuring that the lap belt is placed under the bump and the shoulder strap is positioned between the breasts.
Falls: Falling, especially in the third trimester, can cause abdominal trauma. To reduce the risk of falling, avoid wearing high heels or slippery footwear, and take extra care when walking on wet or uneven surfaces.
Domestic violence: Sadly, domestic violence is another common cause of abdominal trauma in pregnancy. If you are experiencing abuse, seek help from a trusted friend, family member, or professional organization like the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
Sports and recreational activities: Certain sports and activities can put pregnant women at an increased risk of abdominal trauma. Avoid contact sports, high-impact exercises, or any activity that poses a risk of falling or abdominal injury.

Preventing Abdominal Trauma During Pregnancy

Taking preventive measures can significantly reduce the chances of abdominal trauma during pregnancy. Here are some helpful tips:

Road safety: Always wear a seatbelt and follow traffic rules when driving or riding in a car. If possible, avoid long drives during the later stages of pregnancy.
Home safety: Keep your living space clutter-free to minimize the risk of tripping and falling. Install non-slip mats in the bathroom and consider adding grab bars in the shower and near the toilet.
Exercise caution: Choose low-impact exercises that are safe for pregnancy, such as swimming, walking, or prenatal yoga. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any exercise regimen.
Seek support: If you are experiencing domestic violence or abuse, reach out to a trusted support network or professional organization for help and resources.

Long-Term Outlook and Recovery Process

If you have experienced abdominal trauma during pregnancy, it’s essential to seek immediate medical attention to ensure the best possible outcome for both you and your baby. The long-term outlook and recovery process will depend on the severity of the trauma and any complications that may have arisen.

Physical recovery: Depending on the severity of the injury, you may need bed rest, pain management, and/or physical therapy to help you heal. Follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations and keep them informed of your progress.
Emotional recovery: Experiencing abdominal trauma can be emotionally challenging. Seek support from friends, family, or a professional counselor to help you process your emotions and cope with any anxiety or stress related to the trauma.
Monitoring your pregnancy: After abdominal trauma, your healthcare provider may recommend additional monitoring of your pregnancy, including more frequent ultrasounds and checkups to ensure the health and well-being of your baby.
Preparing for delivery: Discuss your delivery options with your healthcare provider. Depending on the severity of the trauma and any complications, you may need a specialized birth plan or a cesarean section for the safety of both you and your baby.

Wrapping Up

Obviously suffering any type of abdominal trauma in pregnancy is not as simple as taking bed rest whilst recovering. Even though your body needs to recuperate after any injury you need to take the emotional triggers into consideration.

Reaching out to medical professionals to take care of the physical injury is paramount but you must make sure you seek support from your midwife or counselingservice to help your emotional needs.

If your trauma was from a car accident then getting back into a moving vehicle can cause a lot of distress to your mental health. You must get treatment for the emotional scars your trauma has left behind.

If you ever have a knock to your bump no matter how minor you need to seek medical attention to rule out any conditions mentioned above.

We are all programmed to think about the ‘what ifs.’ To maintain a clear mindset you should practice living in the moment and be thankful you and your baby are safe and sound.

Abdominal Trauma In Pregnancy – Prevention, & Life-Saving Tips