Relaxin is often the hormone blamed for pregnancy aches and pains.
Whether you are experiencing:
Pubic symphysis pain
Low back pain
Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) pain
Round ligament pain
STOP BLAMING RELAXIN!
WHAT IS RELAXIN?
Relaxin is a hormone inhibits uterine activity to allow the baby to stay in the uterus until full-term! It also plays a role in softening cervical connective tissue and relaxing the pelvic joints; however, it DOES NOT make you UNSTABLE.
Relaxin does not make you unstable!
In addition, relaxin helps regulate inflammation, remodel tissue and inhibit fibrosis and decrease scar formation, which is critical if you had a c-section or any perineal tearing or episiotomy during birth.
WHY SHOULD I STOP BLAMING RELAXIN?
Relaxin peaks between 12 to 16 weeks of pregnancy. That is basically in your 1st trimester of pregnancy! Most women experience aches in pains in the late 2nd trimester or 3rd trimester, which is when relaxin is at its lowest!
So, it can't be relaxin that is causing your pubic bone to separate and be unstable!
WHAT ELSE IS CAUSING YOUR ACHES AND PAINS?
During pregnancy, estrogen levels rise. Estrogen is a growth hormone and increases the size of your uterus, breasts, vascular supply, mucosal lining, and muscles. The breasts can increase up to 500 grams. Due to this significant increase in ANTERIOR weight, the body has to work harder to support this load, possibly putting more load and stress on joints and muscles, causing aches and pains.
THE SOLUTION:
Strengthening your POSTERIOR muscles, including your gluteus can help COUNTERACT the ANTERIOR weight! Seeing a pelvic floor physical therapist can also help with optimizing your posture and alignment so that you can carry the increasing anterior load optimally. In addition, physical therapy provides individualized exercises that can help support your proper muscles!
Book an appointment and schedule a 15-minute free phone consult to learn more!
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