P00: Fetus and newborn affected by maternal conditions that may be unrelated to present pregnancy

P00.5: Fetus and newborn affected by maternal injury

If the mother is injured, or falls over, while pregnant, the child's health can be damaged. An injury or fall can cause damage to the placenta, for example.

The placenta forms in the mother’s womb during pregnancy. The placenta consists of cells from the mother and cells from the unborn child. The placenta supplies the unborn child with nutrients and oxygen via the umbilical cord.

If the placenta is damaged the child may be anemic. In a case of anemia, the child may also no longer be adequately supplied with oxygen. An injury or fall can cause also cause a premature birth. The child is then born before the end of the 37th week of pregnancy. In the case of a premature birth, problems can occur with the child's breathing or circulation.