PREGNANCY

This is why you get clumsier during pregnancy

Last modified on Tuesday 12 January 2021

Many expectant mums will be familiar with suddenly feeling dizzy, or struggling not to fall to the floor - even when they’re sitting down.

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Those who are feeling self-conscious or embarrassed should take reassurance from the fact it’s completely normal - and there’s even a scientific explanation behind it.

According to the website What to Expect , many women feel more clumsy during the second trimester, which is when the baby bump really starts growing. Those who experience the symptoms earlier will be feeling this way due to a combination of hormones and fatigue.

For many women, having their baby bump shifting their centre of gravity can lead to clumsy moments, and it happens most often when you’re climbing stairs or carrying something.

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Hormones can also play a part, as if they cause loose joints and ligaments, or retention of extra fluids, this can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome, which makes it harder to keep a firm grip on things.

Exhaustion and forgetfulness are also common, as pregnancy fatigue leads to more trips and falls, and pregnancy brain can cause you to repeatedly forget what you were about to do, or where you left something.

Those who are finding their pregnancy clumsiness is impacting on their daily lives can take a few simple steps to make things easier. By taking more care when walking, and slowing down, this can prevent slips and falls.

Avoiding picking up items you don’t want to drop is best if you want to avoid smashing plates on the floor - the perfect excuse to make your partner do the washing up.

If you’re also experiencing extreme swelling, blurred vision or sudden unexplained weight gain that isn’t linked to the amount you’re eating, it’s best to check in with a GP, as in rare cases this is a sign of undiagnosed high blood pressure or preeclampsia.

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