Pregnancy clumsiness: why you trip and drop things, how to prevent falls at home, and what to do after a fall

Pregnancy clumsiness is real, and it has physical causes. KKH's obstetricians say pregnant women are prone to falling and tripping because their centre of gravity changes, and that pregnancy hormones soften the ligaments so joints are less stable. Swollen feet, tiredness, dizziness when you stand up, and numb fingers from carpal tunnel syndrome all add to it. You can't stop the changes, but you can make your home and your day safer: flat, well-fitting shoes, dry bathroom floors, a hand on the rail, and no climbing on chairs. And because KKH warns that a fall can cause bleeding in the womb or bring on early labour, it's worth knowing which falls need a hospital check.

Why pregnancy makes you clumsy

Dropping things: carpal tunnel syndrome

If you keep dropping your phone or a cup, check your hands. KKH's trimester guide says the fluid you retain in pregnancy puts pressure on the nerve in the wrist, causing numbness and pins and needles in the fingers. Its suggestions: a wrist splint if the pain is worse at night, not sleeping on your hands, raising your hands, staying active and checking how you sit at work so your wrists aren't in one position for long. Gleneagles Hospital's doctors say it usually shouldn't last beyond pregnancy. Our guide to pregnancy discomforts by trimester covers the other aches.

Forgetfulness, or "pregnancy brain"

Many mums also feel foggy and forgetful. We found no Singapore hospital or HealthHub page on it, so we won't put numbers on it. Tiredness and broken sleep, which KKH lists among common pregnancy symptoms, are a likely part of it. Practical fixes help more than worrying: keep keys and your phone in one spot, use reminders for appointments and supplements, and don't rush when you're tired. If low mood or anxiety comes with the fog most days, tell your doctor. Our guide to sleeping better in pregnancy may help with the tiredness.

Preventing falls at home

Most falls in pregnancy happen in everyday places. These checks fit a typical Singapore home:

KKH's guidance on lifting is that the injury risk is usually to the mother rather than the baby, so protect your back. Bend your knees, keep the load close and don't twist. Our guide to safe exercise during pregnancy covers lifting and squats in more detail.

Out and about in Singapore

• On MRT escalators, stand still, hold the rail and keep your bag in front of you; take the lift if you feel giddy.
• Ask for a seat on the train or bus rather than standing in a moving carriage.
• Take care on wet pavements and covered walkways after rain, and on shiny mall floors.
• Skip activities with a high fall risk. HealthHub lists horse riding and outdoor cycling among sports to avoid in pregnancy, and Mount Elizabeth's doctors add rollerblading and contact sports.
• Walk slowly around the pool, as HealthHub advises pregnant swimmers, because wet tiles are slippery.

What to do after a fall

Many small slips, where you land on your bottom or hands, leave you shaken and bruised and nothing more. But KKH warns that falls can cause bleeding in the womb and trigger early labour, especially after a direct blow to the bump, and that a serious fall should never be left unchecked.

Where to go depends on your weeks. At KKH, go to the 24-hour Urgent O&G Centre before 22 weeks, or the Delivery Suite from 22 weeks; our guide to the signs of labour lists where to go at SGH and NUH. Call 995 if you're badly hurt or bleeding heavily.

Frequently asked questions

Why am I so clumsy when pregnant?

Your centre of gravity moves forward, hormones loosen your joints, and swollen feet, tiredness and numb hands from carpal tunnel syndrome add to it. KKH says pregnant women are prone to tripping and falling for these reasons.

Why do I keep dropping things in pregnancy?

Often carpal tunnel syndrome: fluid presses on the nerve in your wrist and causes numbness and tingling. A wrist splint at night and raising your hands help, KKH says.

Can falling hurt my baby?

A minor slip often leaves you just shaken, but KKH warns that a serious fall, especially a direct blow to the bump, can cause bleeding in the womb and early labour, so get checked.

When should I go to the hospital after a fall while pregnant?

If you landed on your bump, or you have bleeding, tummy pain or tightening, leaking fluid or fewer movements. KKH says not to let a serious fall go unchecked.

What shoes should I wear in pregnancy?

Flat or low-heeled shoes that fit your feet, which can grow with fluid. KKH says they're better for preventing falls.

Is "pregnancy brain" real?

Many women feel forgetful in pregnancy, but we found no Singapore hospital guidance on it. Tiredness is likely part of it; reminders and a fixed spot for keys help.