Hips Widening During Pregnancy: Everything You Need To Know

Introduction

Pregnancy is a beautiful experience, but it comes with its own set of challenges. One of the most significant changes your body goes through during pregnancy is the widening of your hips. This is a natural process that helps prepare your body for childbirth. However, it can also cause discomfort and pain. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about hips widening during pregnancy.

What Causes Hips to Widen During Pregnancy?

During pregnancy, your body produces a hormone called relaxin. This hormone helps to loosen the ligaments and joints in your pelvis to make room for your growing baby. This, in turn, causes your hips to widen. The widening of your hips allows your baby to pass through the birth canal easily.

When Do Hips Begin to Widen During Pregnancy?

Hips start to widen during the second trimester of pregnancy. This is usually around 14 to 20 weeks. However, some women may experience hip widening earlier or later.

How Much Do Hips Widen During Pregnancy?

The amount of hip widening during pregnancy varies from woman to woman. On average, hips widen by around 1 to 3 centimeters. However, some women may experience more significant widening.

Is Hips Widening During Pregnancy Painful?

Hip widening during pregnancy can cause discomfort and pain, especially in the later stages of pregnancy. The hormone relaxin can cause the ligaments and joints in your pelvis to become more flexible, which can lead to instability and pain in your hips.

What Can You Do to Relieve Hip Pain During Pregnancy?

There are several things you can do to relieve hip pain during pregnancy:

Practice good posture
Avoid standing or sitting in one position for too long
Wear comfortable and supportive shoes
Use a pregnancy pillow to support your hips while sleeping
Exercise regularly

Can Hips Stay Widened After Pregnancy?

It is possible for your hips to stay widened after pregnancy, but this is not always the case. Your body produces a hormone called relaxin during pregnancy, which causes your hips to widen. After childbirth, your body stops producing this hormone, and your ligaments and joints return to their pre-pregnancy state. However, some women may experience permanent hip widening due to genetics or other factors.

Conclusion

Hip widening during pregnancy is a natural process that helps prepare your body for childbirth. Though it can cause discomfort and pain, there are ways to relieve these symptoms. Remember that every woman’s body is different and will experience hip widening differently. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any concerns about your hip widening during pregnancy.

References:

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320080
https://www.parents.com/pregnancy/my-body/changing/why-do-hips-widen-during-pregnancy/
https://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/symptoms-and-solutions/hip-pain.aspx