Day 160 of 280, second trimester
You are 22 weeks and 6 days
When clumsiness strikes, even walking in a straight line may be a challenge!
120 days until your due date
If you keep bumping into things and tripping over, you've probably been hit by clumsiness, a common side effect of pregnancy.
There are physical causes: relaxin loosens your joints, your center of gravity changes as your belly grows, and the extra weight throws you off balance. There are emotional ones too: if you're preoccupied with the pregnancy, your concentration slips now and then, so you're less likely to spot hazards.
Your usual grace will return after the birth, but until then avoid situations that could lead to injury. Wear flat shoes instead of heels, avoid wet or slippery surfaces, and take care on steep stairs. Tape down loose rug edges and keep stairs and hallways clear of trip hazards. Be especially careful when lifting, because it's easy to lose your balance leaning forward, and when getting into and out of the bath or shower, notorious spots for pregnancy injuries.
Normal pregnancy clumsiness doesn't come with vision problems, headaches, or dizziness, so see your doctor if you have any of these.
Explainer
Leave the decorating
Let your partner do most of the decorating, don't climb a stepladder yourself, and know which paints are safe to use in pregnancy.
Time to think about
Preparing your home
If your partner's nesting instinct has kicked in, make the most of it and work out what needs doing at home:
- Decorate the room your baby will eventually sleep in, once he moves out of your bedroom.
- Have a look around and take unwanted clutter to the dump or a charity shop.
- Make storage space with extra shelves and cupboards where you can, and work out where to keep big items such as the stroller.
Appointments and key dates around now
- Whooping cough vaccineUsually around 20 weeks, best before 32 weeks
Read the full 22 weeks pregnant guide
This is general information based on NHS guidance, not medical advice, and every pregnancy is different. Talk to your midwife or GP about anything that worries you. If your baby's movements slow down or change, or you have bleeding, severe pain or leaking fluid, call your maternity unit straight away. In an emergency, call 999.