Clumsiness and pregnancy

Do you find yourself tripping over or bumping into everything now you’re pregnant?

For most women it’ll come as a shock when they suddenly become clumsy in late pregnancy. The simple fact is that as your bump grows your center of gravity shifts. Your growing uterus will start to become the heaviest part of you and this, coupled with the fact that pregnancy hormones are making your joints loosen, means you may feel a tad unsteady.

The good news is that your center of gravity returns to normal as soon as you loose your bump, so you won't have to endure clumsiness for long. In the meantime, don’t take risks (such as climbing that ladder to the attic to retrieve your first child’s baby clothes). Decorating, painting and anything that requires careful balancing should definitely be delegated to someone else!

Flat shoes are advisable in later pregnancy because your change in body shape and center of gravity means that you'll be more likely to trip or be unsteady on your feet. In winter months, be careful of ice or wet leaves on the street in case you slip. In the summer, even walking on the sand can make you wobble. If you do fall during pregnancy and accidentally bump your bump, try not to worry. Your baby is cushioned by lots of protective amniotic fluid – but if you have a particularly bad fall, or are worried, it is probably best to check it out with your OB-GYN or nurse-midwife.

If at any point you feel light-headed or experience headaches or blurred vision and see what appears to be flashing lights, call your OB-GYN or nurse-midwife immediately, as these symptoms can indicate more serious problems.

Doing yoga can help you during pregnancy as it helps to strengthen your body from the inside, but also helps you to improve your balance. Yoga can also help you to feel more confident about your changing body shape. Be sure to register for a dedicated pregnancy yoga class with a registered practitioner as normal yoga may not be suitable for pregnancy.

The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.