Clumsiness during pregnancy

Can clumsiness be a sign of pregnancy?

Some women swear that a bout of clumsiness was one of the first early signs of pregnancy they noticed. However, experts say pregnancy clumsiness usually only occurs during the last six months and most noticeably in the last three months of pregnancy, due to some of the big changes going on in your body.

What causes clumsiness during pregnancy?

Clumsiness during pregnancy can be attributed to a number of factors, including:

• Weight. You're carrying more weight than you're used to throughout your body – 25 pounds or more by the end of your pregnancy – which can affect your overall coordination.
• New center of gravity. As your uterus and breasts grow, all that extra weight up front pulls your center of gravity forward, challenging your sense of balance.
• Hormones. Hormonal changes loosen ligaments in your pelvis, knees, and other joints, affecting your posture and range of motion. Changes in your hormones may also affect smaller joints, like your fingers.
• Swelling. If you have pregnancy-induced edema in your feet and legs, it can affect how your shoes fit and how you walk, which may set you up to trip.
• Changes in vision. In the third trimester, fluid can accumulate in the eyeball. This sometimes bends the shape of the cornea, making it harder to see well – especially if you already wear contacts or glasses.
• Carpal tunnel syndrome. Fluid retention during pregnancy can put pressure on the nerves in your wrists, leading to finger pain, tingling, and numbness in your hands. Add that to swelling in your fingers, and it could make your grip weaker…and you clumsier.
• Weak abdominal muscles. In late pregnancy, it's possible to develop what's called diastasis recti: Your expanding belly causes your "six-pack" abdominal muscles to separate vertically down the middle. This weakens the abdominal area and may possibly impact movement.

What can I do to minimize or prevent clumsiness during pregnancy?

Remind yourself that you're not at the top of your game when it comes to muscle control and coordination. To minimize pregnancy clumsiness and stay safe, try to:

• Slow down. Take your time as you go about your day, since research suggests being in a rush is a risk factor for falling during pregnancy. Build in extra time to get to your meetings and appointments.
• Skip risky tasks. Stay out of situations with a higher risk of falling – like climbing a ladder or standing on a chair to change a light bulb.
• Choose sturdy shoes. Put your high heels away for now, and wear stable, comfortable shoes (preferably with a rubber sole) instead.
• Walk carefully. Be extra cautious when walking on wet, icy, or uneven surfaces; when going up or down steep steps; or when navigating dimly-lit areas. Use a handrail whenever possible. If the tricky terrain is unavoidable, you may find that widening your stance gives you a bit more stability.
• Wear a support belt. Maternity support belts or "belly belts" are designed to support your abdomen and back, stabilize your hips, and improve your posture.
• Exercise. Regular, pregnancy-safe exercise helps keep your muscles strong and improves balance, which experts say reduces the chance of falling.
• Avoid potentially risky activities. Don't carry heavy loads, especially if you aren't accustomed to lifting, or anything bulky (it's hard enough to see what's at your feet with your belly in the way!). Also avoid skiing, riding a bike, or other activities where balance is important and there's a potential for a big spill, especially in the third trimester.

Is pregnancy clumsiness ever anything to worry about?

Rarely, clumsiness during pregnancy that's accompanied by other unusual symptoms can signal something more serious, including:

• Preeclampsia. If you have lightheadedness, headaches, blurred vision, sudden swelling in the face and hands, or decreased urine output, it may be a sign of preeclampsia – or pregnancy-induced high blood pressure that usually develops after week 20 of pregnancy. Because unmanaged preeclampsia can result in serious complications for you and your baby, it's critical to let your doctor know right away if you think you might have preeclampsia.
• Hypoglycemia. Low blood sugar from skipping a meal or not eating enough can sometimes cause clumsiness. Hypoglycemia usually happens in people who have diabetes and take insulin, although it can rarely occur in people who don't have diabetes. If you experience other signs of hypoglycemia, including sweating, shakiness, blurred vision, hunger, or dizziness, have a sugary snack (such as a glass of orange juice or handful of raisins) and contact your doctor.

The only other time to be concerned by pregnancy clumsiness is if you fall. Most of the time, taking a spill during pregnancy is no big deal: Your body is designed to protect your baby.

That said, falling directly on your belly can sometimes cause placental abruption (the separation of the placenta from the uterine wall) or other complications. Let your doctor know if you do take a tumble or bump your abdomen, especially if you experience any of the following:

• Vaginal bleeding
• Abdominal pain
• Uterine contractions
• A noticeable decrease in fetal movement

Learn more:

• Pregnancy safety at home and work
• Forgetfulness during pregnancy
• Fatigue during pregnancy