Scientists discover why pregnant women don't fall over

14 Dec 2007

Pregnant women don't topple over from the extra weight of their baby bump because females have evolved with slight differences in their lower backs and hips compared to men, new research has found.

These biologically engineered changes allow women to adjust their centre of gravity to accommodate the additional weight of the baby.

The study, carried out by scientists at the University of Texas, discovered that a key hip joint is 14% bigger in women than in men.

Also, Harvard anthropology researcher Katherine Whitcome found that one lower lumbar vertebra is wedged-shaped in women and more square in men.

Liza Shapiro, professor of anthropology at the University of Texas, said: "That's a big load that's pulling you forward. You experience discomfort. Maybe it would be a lot worse if (the design changes) were not there."

Scientists suggest that this evolutionary process took place as a result of humans beginning to walk on two feet instead of four, as animals on all fours are better able to manage pain during pregnancy.

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