Final answer:
The "waddling" gait during pregnancy is most directly caused by the relaxation of pelvic joints due to the hormone relaxin, although fetal growth, pressure on pelvic muscles, and weight gain .
Step-by-step explanation:
A pregnant client's tendency to "waddle" when she walks during pregnancy is primarily attributed to the relaxation of the pelvic joints, which is one of the physiological changes.
This relaxation is facilitated by the hormone relaxin, which loosens ligaments and joints in the pelvis to ease the delivery process. Due to this increased laxity, the stability of the pelvis decreases.
Meanwhile, the large size of the newborn (fetal growth) and the associated weight gain also contribute to changes in posture and gait. However, the relaxation of the pelvic joints is the most specific .
Furthermore, the waddling can also be exacerbated by the pressure on pelvic muscles and the fact that the enlarged uterus and growing fetus increase the curvature of the spine.
This necessitates adjustments in the way a pregnant woman stands and moves to maintain balance. Pressure on the pelvic muscles is another contributing factor.
Excessive weight gain during pregnancy can compound these effects by placing additional stress on the musculoskeletal system. However, it's important to recognize that a waddling gait can occur even.