Quadriceps weakness in pregnancy is a feeling of tired, weak or unstable thigh muscles while pregnant. It is linked to weight gain, a changing center of gravity and hormones that loosen the joints and ligaments.
The quadriceps are the large muscles at the front of the thigh. They help you stand up, climb stairs and keep the knee stable. During pregnancy these muscles carry extra weight, and the growing bump changes posture and balance. Hormones such as relaxin loosen ligaments around the pelvis, which can make the legs feel less steady.
Staying active is generally encouraged during a healthy pregnancy. Walking, swimming, pregnancy yoga and gentle strength exercises can help keep leg muscles working well. Any new exercise plan is best checked with a midwife or doctor first, especially if there are complications.
Sudden weakness, numbness, weakness on one side, a painful swollen calf, or pain in the pelvis that makes walking difficult should be checked by a midwife or doctor. Pelvic pain with walking may be symphysis pubis dysfunction, which needs its own assessment.
Weak or tired legs can make standing for long periods, climbing stairs or lifting harder as pregnancy goes on. A chair for standing roles, more frequent breaks and fewer trips up and down stairs are simple changes that a pregnancy risk assessment at work can look at.
It’s time to create workplaces where women’s well-being isn’t just acknowledged but prioritized, because when women thrive, businesses succeed.
Join the movement
Whole Health Programs for Women and Employers
We help create healthier, more inclusive workplaces where women and businesses thrive.
.svg)
Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to get your hands on the latest on womens health in the workplace.
