The home. The highway. The backyard. The most significant risks faced by pregnant women are from pregnancy complications and not from accidents. Accidents often seem "accidental" that is, to happen by chance. Yet most are the direct result of carelessness, often on the part of the victim herself, and many can be avoided with a little extra caution and common sense. There are a wide variety of steps you can take to prevent injuries and accidents: Recognize that you're not as a graceful as you were prepregnancy. As your abdomen grows, your center of gravity will shift, making it easier for you to lose your balance. You will also find it increasingly difficult to see your feet. These changes can contribute to your becoming accident-prone. Always fasten your seat belt and keep it fastened in cars or planes.

Never climb on a shaky chair or ladder, or better still, don't climb at all. Don't wear high spiky heels, sloppy slippers, or thongs that can snap, all of which encourage falls and twisted ankles. Don't walk on slippery floors in your stocking feet or in smooth-soled shoes. Be careful getting in and out of the tub, be sure your tub and shower are equipped with nonskid surfaces and sturdy grab bars. Check your house and backyard for hazards: rugs without skidproof bottoms, toys or junk on stairways, poorly lit stairs and hallways, wires strung across the floor, overwaxed floors, icy sidewalks and steps. Don't overdo. Fatigue isa major contributor to accidents.