Roy Pitkin, M.D., is a professor of obstetrics and
gynecology and is the former chair of the ob/gyn
department at the University of California, Los
Angeles School of Medicine. He is a frequent advisor
to national health agencies on women's health issues and has
received numerous international honors for this work.
Q:I'm 11 weeks pregnant, and a large object fell on my stomach during a home project. I have pain in my abdomen and am worried that I have injured my baby.
A: It is quite unlikely that your pregnancy would be damaged by the type of injury you describe. At 11 weeks, the uterus is still in the pelvis rather than the abdomen and, moreover, the pregnancy inside the uterus is cushioned quite well against blunt trauma. The soreness you experience is more likely related to some minor injury to your abdominal wall. Nevertheless, it would be wise to be checked; an ultrasound scan showing a normal fetus and placenta would be reassuring.
Roy Pitkin, M.D., is a professor of obstetrics and
gynecology and is the former chair of the ob/gyn
department at the University of California, Los
Angeles School of Medicine. He is a frequent advisor
to national health agencies on women's health issues and has
received numerous international honors for this work.
