For the first 14 weeks of pregnancy, your uterus is still tucked down in your pelvis, well protected from damage. Later in pregnancy, the uterus is more exposed but your baby is still well protected. Your abdominal muscles are very strong, and the walls of the uterus as extremely tough and muscular (they have to be – for labour!). Furthermore, your baby is floating in fluid and is thus well cushioned from bumps and falls.
On the other hand, it is always a good idea to see your midwife or GP after even a minor accident – and certainly if you have any concerns about your baby’s movements, or start losing clear fluid or blood. Apart from anything else, you may need treatment yourself, since pregnancy increases your risk of twists, sprains and bruising.
Perhaps the greatest risk of direct harm to the baby during pregnancy comes from car accidents. Pregnant women, like everybody else, must wear seat belts. Place the diagonal strap down between your breast, and pull the lap belt tight across your hips – under your bump. If you are involved in an accident, wearing a seat belt may save your life – and your baby’s. If you do not wear a seat belt and have an accident, you may suffer direct wounds to your abdomen and uterus, whilst the impact may cause your baby’s placenta to separate as your body is flung forwards and then jerked back.