Feelings of being a protective mom start from pregnancy. You take your vitamins and eat the right foods but there’s one thing we feel most vulnerable about and that’s knocking our bumps! Whether you have a boisterous animal, had a fall, or your toddler jumped on pregnant belly. How much pressure can your bump stand? When can it cause harm?
Toddler Jumped On Pregnant Belly – How Robust Is My Bump?
Oh my, my toddler jumped on my pregnant belly! Fortunately, little harm can be caused by this or if you caught the counter top. Your baby is protected by many layers of muscle not to mention its own water bubble so even though you feel fragile your baby is tucked safely between you and the outside world.
BFP and The Lioness
As soon as you see the BFP test your lioness instincts kick in. I have always been a firm believer, you become a mom with a positive test. Your whole world changes from early pregnancy symptoms to the hike in vitamins and doctors appointments, so it is only normal for you to feel concerned if your bump gets knocked.
When your bump grows it is inevitable that it is going to get in the way. Moving from A to B can prove to be a challenge, never mind thinking about protecting the watermelon strapped to your front.
Considering you may have a toddler at home you may feel torn that cuddles are not what they were. You once snuggled down together closer than ever but now your bump proves to get in the way. This is when accidents can happen. Stick with us and we will dig into what to do if a toddler jumps on your pregnant belly?
Safety in the Womb
Even though you may feel fragile it’s important to understand your pregnant body is fairly robust. Women have been getting pregnant for centuries and many face living with a bump very differently.
Take poor Mary and Joseph, for instance, that poor woman walked miles before hopping on a donkey so you can take some peace that you’re not as fragile as you believe.
Your uterus is a strong muscle that is now home to your baby, not to mention the amniotic fluid that is cushioning your baby. The baby weight you carry also doubles up as a safety barrier meaning that your bump can handle the odd knock now and again without causing any harm to your baby.
With this being said there are many different types of having a knock. A forceful blow to your belly must get checked out after all you are not bulletproof.
Can a Toddler Jumping on Belly Hurt a Baby?
The answer is maybe, several factors would need to be taken into consideration like the force, impact, and also your instincts. Seeing a two year old hurl their body at you can cause an automatic response from you without realizing you cover your bump as the impact happens.
Trimester Troubles
If you are not hosting a watermelon size bump yet and suffer a blow to the abdomen then you should still act with caution but to understand exactly which trimesters pose greater danger we have simplified them below.
First Trimester
In this trimester your uterus is still nestled quite comfortably behind your pubic bone. So it’s unlikely to cause injury if any at all. This doesn’t mean that trauma to your stomach would be catastrophic but if your toddler were to pounce at this stage you can take comfort that little harm can be caused.
Second Trimester
As your belly grows your muscles are still fairly thick so even though the risk of injury has increased your abdominal wall is still strong enough to withstand a bit of force.
Third Trimester
It’s the third trimester that poses the most risk. You’re carrying big, your bump is now getting in the way and your stomach muscles are stretched thin. Even though your baby is still surrounded with amniotic fluid their nearly term size means that there is less space for protection.
Taking a blow to the tummy in this trimester is the most dangerous as it can cause a Placental Abruption. Bleeding in your third trimester is cause for concern especially if it comes after a pounce from a sibling.
Situations of Danger
Bump is Big
There’s no getting away from your bumpalicious body. Whether you are taking it in your stride or struggling to move there will be times when your bump has a knock.
The countertop was my enemy whilst pregnant. You almost forget your diameter some days meaning that getting closer to work surfaces can increase the risk of knocking your bump.
This is no cause for alarm. Your baby probably didn’t even notice the knock but you can bet your bottom dollar you did! Nothing says ouch like the corner of a work surface!
Toddler Jumping on Pregnant Belly
The delightful toddler is still a baby in your eyes until their promotion of big brother or sister begins. It’s not uncommon for your two-year-old to hurl their whole body toward you or for moms to say my toddler jumped on my pregnany belly. They are not being unruly or naughty; they just want your attention.
The good thing is that the risk they pose to their unborn sibling is low but you could make it good practice to explain what’s going on in your tummy and show them they have to be careful. They may become over cautious or not give two hoots but until the baby arrives it’s good practice for them to begin to understand their robust ways and need to be careful.
Precious Pets
Dogs and cats alike are forever babies. No matter if you have a 4lb Shih Tzu or a 40lb Great Dane they will still want that space on your lap.
Like children, pets pose no real risk to your baby or bump but it’s good to instill the no-jumping training early on. Bigger animals can cause accidental injury so start early with this training.
Car Accidents
Being in an accident whilst pregnant is likely to cause you more distress than your baby but whether it’s a small bump or not you must get medically examined.
You can suffer from strains and bruising from the slightest fender bender so best to get checked over at the emergency room to be safe.
Being a Klutz
This has my name written all over it. I could be in an open field and still manage to trip over thin air.
If you are on the clumsy side like me, take extra precautions and trip or fall should only hurt you but you should seek advice if you land on your back or bump.
Protecting Your Bump
Michelle Hakakha MD states that gentle pushes on your stomach while pregnant isn’t cause for major concern but medical attention should be sought if you suffer a nasty punch or kick especially in the third trimester.
If a toddler jumped on my belly while pregnant I know I’d be a bag of nerves. My advice would be to seek medical attention immediately. You are better off getting checked than waiting for a movement.
As mentioned taking the time to explain to your other children that they have to be careful is important, they are going through a crazy time with emotions heightened they may be acting out already needing to feel more attention from you. It’s a survival instinct they have, not that this would ever be the case but they don’t want to feel pushed out so if being larger than life is the way they can remind you then they will.
Make sure you find a way you can still cuddle your firstborn, they will be such an important part of your baby’s life and it can begin whilst you are pregnant. Try giving them ‘grown up responsibility’ picking things up for you, helping you with your shoes, etc but most importantly make time for them, and play together to show them they don’t have to fight and push for your love.
Seeking Medical Attention
There will be times when your toddler jumping on your pregnant belly can force you to get checked out. Even though accidents happen you must seek advice if you are suffering from:
- Bleeding
- Spotting
- Severe pain
- Change in movements
- Constant cramps
A toddler’s flying limbs are not usually cause for concern but if it is an intentional blow directed at your bump then you must seek advice immediately.
Wrapping Up
To conclude our article on ‘ toddler jumped on pregnant belly.’ I believe it’s safe to say that it’s rarely a cause for concern.
Your body is made to withstand pregnancy and the elements it can come into contact with. If you feel uneasy at all then your doctor will be happy to examine you especially if you are suffering from blood loss or severe cramping.
Remember to prepare your toddler for their new role, help them understand what is acceptable and soon they will be the best big brother/sister your baby could ever ask for.
More to Read
- Is My Baby Hungry When I’m Hungry During Pregnancy?
- It Feels Like Baby Is Shaking Inside Me! Is That Normal?
- Why Is My Pregnant Belly Soft When I Lay Down – What You Should Know
- Why Does My Pregnant Belly Look Smaller Some Days?
- Can You Crack Your Back While Pregnant – Is It Safe?
- Pregnant and Scared of Life Changing – Guide to Overcome
