When a woman gets pregnant there are so many concerns she already has on her mind regarding her baby’s health. Typically, the thought of falling isn’t one of those concerns; however, many pregnant women do fall during those nine months. This is because women who are pregnant often suffer from center of gravity changes due to the growing belly and relaxation of soft joints. These changes plus inner ear changes during pregnancy do lead many pregnant women to fall. However, these aren’t the only reasons why pregnant women fall during the nine-month period.
Other reasons that can cause pregnant women to fall and suffer injuries to their bodies and to their unborn babies include dangerous grounds. When a store doesn’t clean up spilled liquid, repair torn carpet, or keep aisles clutter-free, people can slip, trip and fall and suffer serious injuries. This is especially the case for pregnant women.
Falls During Pregnancy Cause Trauma and Complications
According to a study by Grace Lemasters of the University of Cincinnati, falls account for 17 to 29 percent of trauma in pregnancy. While many women who fall during early pregnancy don’t suffer more than a strain and their babies are often protected within the uterus, falls in late pregnancy can have different results and cause an injury to the abdomen, uterus or fetus. If a woman experiences abdominal pain after a fall, it can be serious for the baby and she will need to get immediate medical attention and be properly evaluated.
What Abdominal Pain Can Signal After a Slip and Fall
If the pain a pregnant woman feels is a crampy abdominal pain, it can indicate preterm labor. This means the baby could be born way too early as a result of the slip and fall accident. If the pain after a fall is more steady and severe, it could indicate internal bleeding. Also, if the abdominal pain is accompanied by a hard belly, it could indicate placental abruption. This means that the placenta detached from the uterine wall as a result of the trauma in the slip and fall accident.
If placental abruption takes place, fetal distress can occur. This can lead to preterm labor and serious complication such as respiratory issues, bleeding inside the brain, or fetal death. Placental abruption can also lead to maternal death.
Because of the serious outcome of a slip and fall accident to a pregnant woman and her fetus, it is critical that any pregnant woman who falls should get an immediate medical evaluation. The doctor evaluating a pregnant woman who fell should conduct fetal monitoring and a fetal ultrasound to confirm the well-being of the unborn baby. If the doctor doesn’t perform the right tests and doesn’t catch the placental abruption and the baby dies, the mom needs to pursue a legal claim against that doctor for malpractice and a slip and fall claim against the store for premises liability.
Pregnant women shouldn’t have to suffer injuries or the loss of their babies due to negligent and unsafe grounds. If you have suffered harm to you or your baby after a slip and fall accident in South Florida, you need to find out your legal options. Contact the Law Offices of David Benenfeld for a free consultation with a trusted personal injury lawyer at 866-9 HELP NOW or (561) 960-5515(561) 960-5515 today.
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