I went to the doctor last week and was told I’ve gained 24 lbs so far. Yikes – sounds like a lot, but it’s actually right on target (I keep trying to repeat that to myself – over and over and over). However, carrying around the extra weight like an oversized basketball in my belly has made everyday little things that were so easy before…seem really hard. Here are a few examples.
Squeezing between the grocery cart and the check out aisle
Putting on socks and tying tennis shoes.
Getting off the sofa when you are lying down.
Getting in and out of a car that sits lower to the ground, i.e. our Altima.
Towel drying my legs/feet after a shower. And don’t even get me started on trying to shave my legs.
Sleeping. Where do you put that big belly?
Taking clothes in/out of front-loading washer and dryer.
Tying the drawstrings on my comfy pants. Mirrors are my best friend these days.
Yes. Many women feel ungainly when they're pregnant, particularly in their last few months.
Clumsiness comes as no surprise when you consider what your body's going through: You're carrying more weight, your center of gravity has shifted with your growing uterus, and hormonal changes can cause your joints to loosen, including those in your fingers and toes. You'll get your balance and dexterity back after you give birth.
In the meantime, protect yourself by remembering that you're not at the top of your game when it comes to muscle control and coordination. Try not to put yourself in situations where you have a high risk of falling — like climbing a ladder or standing on a chair to change a lightbulb.
