Version July 2025
Please read the Disclaimer at the end of this page.
What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").
What should I know? —
You came to the ED after getting hit in the abdomen (the belly) during pregnancy. The medical term for this is "abdominal trauma." You might have been in an accident or fall, or were assaulted, when your belly got hit.
The doctors think your baby was not hurt. They also think it is safe for you to recover at home. How long it will take for you to heal depends on how serious your injuries are, your overall health, and how you respond to treatment.
Sometimes, symptoms of serious injuries do not show up right away and instead happen days or even weeks later. It's important to watch for the problems listed below.
You might be waiting on test results. The staff will notify you if there are concerning results.
How do I care for myself at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also do the following:
●Call your regular doctor or midwife and tell them you were in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment if you were told to.
●If it hurts when you take deep breaths, sneeze, cough, or laugh, you can hold a pillow against your belly when you do these things. This can help ease pain.
●Take acetaminophen (sample brand name: Tylenol) if needed for pain. Check with your doctor before taking any other pain medicines. Doctors usually tell pregnant people to avoid taking ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (sample brand name: Aleve), especially after 20 weeks of pregnancy.
●Ice can help with pain and swelling. Put a cold gel pack, bag of ice, or bag of frozen vegetables on your belly every 1 to 2 hours, for 15 minutes each time. Put a thin towel between the ice (or other cold object) and your skin. Ice for the first 24 to 48 hours after an injury.
When should I get emergency help?
●Call for emergency help right away (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if:
•You have trouble breathing or severe chest pain.
•You have very bad belly pain.
•Your belly becomes hard, more swollen, or tender.
•You bleed a lot from your vagina.
•You pass out, or feel like you might pass out when you sit up or stand.
•You feel very weak or unsteady when you walk.
●Return to the ED if:
•You bleed a little from your vagina.
•You start to have contractions (when the uterus tightens, then relaxes).
•You have a gush or trickle of watery or bloody fluid leaking from your vagina (your "water breaks").
•Your baby is moving much less than usual. They should move at least 10 times every 2 hours.
•You become confused, or start feeling weak and lightheaded.
•You vomit a lot.
•You cannot keep any food or drink down.
•You have new belly pain that is not severe.
•You have blood in your urine or bowel movements.
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if:
●You have new or worsening symptoms.
Patient education: Preventing injuries during pregnancy (The Basics)
