
Accidents & Falling
Q. I am 10 weeks pregnant and recently had a minor car accident where I drove into the back of another car. I was not hurt in any way other than a stiff neck. I never thought anything of it, and then suddenly wondered if I should have gotten the baby checked out. I have no pain, no bleeding, etc. and people keep telling me the baby is buried deep so it will be fine.
-Lindsey, United Kingdom
A. I don't think you have any cause for concern. It's true that the baby is very well protected by the amniotic sac, the amniotic fluid, your uterus and the rest of your body surrounding it. We've all seen the typical soap opera drama of a pregnant woman falling down the stairs and losing the baby. In real life, that's hardly ever the case. However, a really bad fall or bodily injury might affect a fetus much later in pregnancy when there is not as much padding between the baby and the outside world.
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Q. I accidentally hit my stomach really hard. It was hurting a lot, but I didn't bleed or anything. I had been feeling my baby move every day, but now it's not moving. So far it hasn't moved in a day. Could something be wrong with the baby even though I didn't bleed and I am not cramping? I feel a little pain every now and then, but not bad. I'd like to know what you think. Thanks.
-Jessica, Tennessee
A. Unless you are well into your third trimester and smashed your stomach extremely hard, your baby will probably be just fine. (See the other accident and falling questions for more details.)
I doubt the lack of fetal movement is a result of your belly bang. Depending on your stage of pregnancy, you may not feel the baby move for a few days at a time. (See the other fetal movement questions for more details.)
If you experience bleeding, intense cramping or you are still concerned about lack of fetal movement, then you should see your OB/GYN.
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