What should I do after falling on my hip at 15 weeks pregnant with no apparent symptoms?

Management After a Fall on Hip During Pregnancy at 15 Weeks

If you have fallen on your hip at 15 weeks pregnant with no apparent symptoms, you should seek medical evaluation to rule out potential complications, even if you feel fine.

Initial Assessment

After a fall during pregnancy, the following evaluation is recommended:

• Maternal assessment:

  • Check for pain, bruising, or limited range of motion in the hip area
  • Assess for vaginal bleeding, fluid leakage, or abdominal pain
  • Monitor for uterine contractions or cramping
  • Evaluate for dizziness, headache, or other signs of injury

• Fetal assessment:

  • At 15 weeks, the uterus is typically just beginning to extend above the pelvic brim
  • While the fetus is still well-protected by amniotic fluid, trauma can potentially affect placental attachment

When to Seek Immediate Medical Care

Urgent evaluation is needed if you experience:

• Vaginal bleeding
• Fluid leakage from the vagina
• Abdominal pain or cramping
• Decreased fetal movement (if you've already been feeling it)
• Severe hip pain or inability to bear weight
• Persistent dizziness or headache

Medical Evaluation Process

1. Physical examination:

   • Assessment of hip mobility and pain
   • Abdominal examination to check for uterine tenderness
   • Vital signs monitoring

2. Imaging considerations:

   • If hip injury is suspected, radiographs are appropriate as the fetal radiation exposure from hip/pelvis x-rays is minimal and benefits outweigh risks 1
   • MRI without contrast is preferred if available and clinically indicated 1

3. Fetal assessment:

   • Ultrasound to confirm fetal heartbeat and placental position
   • Monitoring for contractions if indicated

Follow-up Recommendations

• If no immediate concerns are identified:

  • Rest and avoid strenuous activities for 24-48 hours
  • Use acetaminophen for pain if needed (avoid NSAIDs)
  • Monitor for delayed symptoms (bleeding, cramping, decreased fetal movement)
  • Follow up with your prenatal provider at your next scheduled appointment

• If hip pain persists:

  • Further evaluation may be needed to rule out stress fracture or other injury
  • MRI is the preferred imaging modality for persistent hip pain during pregnancy 1

Prevention of Future Falls

Falls during pregnancy are common due to:

• Shifting center of gravity
• Hormonal changes causing ligament laxity
• Decreased abdominal muscle strength 2

To reduce fall risk:

• Wear proper supportive footwear
• Avoid activities with high fall risk (as recommended by the Canadian guidelines for physical activity during pregnancy) 1, 3
• Consider a maternity support belt for additional stability 2
• Modify exercise routines to include safer options like swimming, stationary cycling, or walking 1, 3

Key Safety Precautions for Remaining Pregnancy

The Canadian guidelines for physical activity during pregnancy specifically recommend avoiding activities with risk of falling or physical contact during pregnancy 1. This includes:

• Horseback riding
• Downhill skiing
• Ice hockey
• Gymnastics
• Non-stationary cycling

Instead, focus on safer activities like:

• Walking
• Swimming
• Stationary cycling
• Aquatic exercises 3

Remember that while most falls during pregnancy do not result in serious complications, prompt evaluation provides reassurance and allows for early intervention if needed.