Waddling Gait is a way of walking. It is also known as Myopathic Gait and is caused by weakness in the pelvic muscles. The pelvic girdle is a bowl-shaped network of bones and muscles that connect the hips and legs to the torso – the middle part of the body. The pelvic girdle and its muscles are responsible for one's balance when moving or doing any physical activity.
When the pelvic girdle weakens, the body will find it challenging to balance. As a result, the body will swing from side to side as you walk to maintain balance and prevent falling. For some, the hips can dip when the body sways from one side to the other, resulting in a waddling gait.
Waddling Gait Diagnosis is done by examination of the patient
● The strength, tone and coordination of your muscles.
● Signs of deformities in your neck and spine.
● See how you walk and assess if you are at risk of falling.
● Blood pressure when resting (sitting) and standing.
● Signs of arthritis.
Many pregnant women experience waddling gait, especially in their second trimester. The reasons are as follows:
● As pregnancy progresses, the body will produce relaxin – a hormone that helps relax the joints and ligaments. As the joints relax, the pelvis will start widening. A wide pelvis facilitates easier and safer labour and childbirth. It can also change one's gait.
● As the baby's weight increases in the front, the back will start arching, and the stomach will protrude outwards. This will affect one's balance as they walk.
● As the baby grows, it puts pressure on the mother's pelvis, gradually expanding it and affecting her walking pattern.
● The growing weight in the front, a curved back and relaxed joints can shift the expecting mother's centre of gravity. Her body naturally begins to sway to maintain balance and prevent falls.
Waddling gait is common during pregnancy and will dissipate soon after delivery. You can try the following ideas to ensure the waddling gait does not cause any falls or mishaps:
● Use canes or a walker to help you balance by taking the weight off the hips.
● Be proactive and take measures to prevent a fall.
● Physical therapy is used to help regain balance, strength and flexibility.
● Adjusting to walking correctly with the added weight.
● Pregnancy–safe medications to help with muscle strength.
● Stay active and move regularly.
● Gentle exercises that focus on moving the joints like walking, swimming, or yoga.
● In severe cases, prostheses, leg braces or splints help align the foot properly.
Waddling gait during pregnancy is very common and is nothing to worry about. However, if it affects how you walk and your balance and is already causing you falls or bumps, it's essential to be careful.
● Avoid brisk walking in crowds and uneven surfaces.
● Taking someone along to give you a hand can also prevent falls and injuries.
● Wear the right shoes or footwear with sufficient support.
● Avoid wearing heels as it can increase the instability and the risk of falling.
Changes in a woman's gait during pregnancy are normal and nothing to worry about. Pregnancy brings many changes, some visible and others not. Being aware of this shift and taking precautions can help ensure the safety of both mother and baby. However, if the change in gait causes significant pain, consult your doctor immediately.
The release of a hormone called relaxin will cause the joints to loosen, thus impacting the way the hips move when walking. The increase in baby weight in the front and the curving of the back to support this weight will also change one's walk resulting in waddling.
Since waddling gait in pregnancy is caused by changes in hormones, you cannot control it or avoid it completely. You can, however, reduce its impact by exercising, stretching and not sitting idle for long periods.
