The epidemiology of pregnancy-associated emergency department injury visits and their impact on birth outcomes

Physical Activity and Injuries During Pregnancy

“…Previous studies have only reported rates for injuries resulting in hospitalization. [22, 27–31] However, we were able to include data on non-hospitalized injuries. Thus, our injury rate of 2% in this cohort (which equals 20 per 1,000 deliveries) is low when compared to those previously reported for all hospitalized injuries (i.e., from motor vehicle crashes, falls, assaults, etc.)…”

“…Most studies pertaining to injury during pregnancy have focused on pregnancy outcomes following motor vehicle crashes [19–22] and musculoskeletal disorders and pain during pregnancy. [23–26] In addition, previous maternal injury research has focused exclusively on hospitalized or Emergency Department -attended injuries, despite the fact that these injuries are a small minority of all injuries.…”

“…[23–26] In addition, previous maternal injury research has focused exclusively on hospitalized or Emergency Department -attended injuries, despite the fact that these injuries are a small minority of all injuries. [20–22, 27–31] No studies to date have examined non-hospitalized physical activity-related injuries during pregnancy. Since there are many changes in a pregnant woman’s body that may affect the ability to exercise, including increased joint and ligament laxity, shifts in the body’s center of gravity, and increased heart rate, there may be increased injury risks during physical activities.…”

Risk Factors for Maternal Injuries in a Population-Based Sample of Pregnant Women

“…Consistent with previous literature, we found that in unadjusted analyses, women with less education, those who were younger, not married, or who smoked at any time during pregnancy were more likely to be injured during pregnancy. 3,10,15 After controlling for maternal age and unintended pregnancy, however, only lack of a partner during pregnancy remained a significant risk factor for injury.…”

“…3,6,8,15,18 For this reason, prenatal-care providers should discuss risks of falling during pregnancy to increase awareness that as pregnancy progresses, women will experience a shift in the center of gravidity as the abdomen extends beyond the pelvis, accompanied by a decrease in postural stability. 19,20 In addition, increased counseling in proper safety restraint use during pregnancy may not decrease a woman's risk of being involved in an MVC but could reduce the severity of injury to her and her unborn child should a crash occur.…”