Why might a pregnant person experience trouble walking?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Pregnancy causes noticeable changes in how you walk. As your baby grows, weight redistribution shifts your center of gravity forward, while pregnancy hormones like relaxin loosen your pelvic ligaments. Together, these changes often result in a wider stance and a characteristic waddling gait, which is a normal part of pregnancy.

While a waddling walk during pregnancy is usually harmless, gait changes can sometimes signal other issues worth exploring. If you're unsure whether your symptoms are typical or need attention, a free, instant, online symptom check can help you understand what's happening and guide your next steps—giving you clarity in minutes, no appointment required.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

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Explanation

During pregnancy, the body undergoes shifts as the baby grows. Extra weight—particularly in the abdomen—moves the center of gravity forward. To maintain balance, the body adapts its movement patterns, resulting in a waddling gait where the hips sway from side to side.

Research shows that this gait change helps the body stay stable when weight shifts occur. While this adaptation is helpful, it can lead to muscle strain and joint pain. The hips, lower back, and legs often become fatigued more quickly as they work harder to support the redistributed weight.

If you're experiencing persistent discomfort or unusual symptoms during pregnancy, try Ubie's free AI symptom checker to better understand what might be causing your pain and when to seek professional care. Pregnant individuals should receive guidance on safe movements and may benefit from exercises or physical therapy to reduce discomfort and improve walking stability.

(References)

Abedzadehzavareh Z, Catena RD. The role of waddling gait in balance control during pregnancy. Gait Posture. 2025 Feb;116:16-21. doi: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2024.11.015. Epub 2024 Nov 22. PMID: 39603180.
Li X, Lu Z, Cen X, Zhou Y, Xuan R, Sun D, Gu Y. Effect of pregnancy on female gait characteristics: a pilot study based on portable gait analyzer and induced acceleration analysis. Front Physiol. 2023 May 16;14:1034132. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1034132. PMID: 37260595; PMCID: PMC10227621.
Gonçalves H, Soares ALG, Domingues MR, Bertoldi AD, Santos MGD, Silveira MFD, Coll CVN. Why are pregnant women physically inactive? A qualitative study on the beliefs and perceptions about physical activity during pregnancy. Cad Saude Publica. 2024 Jan 8;40(1):e00097323. doi: 10.1590/0102-311XEN097323. PMID: 38198382; PMCID: PMC10775962.

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