Hormonal effects during pregnancy - how relaxin can affect your body

What is Relaxin and How Does It Work?

Relaxin is a hormone produced during pregnancy that helps soften and widen tissues, particularly in the pelvic area, to facilitate childbirth. However, it doesn’t only impact the pelvis – it also affects joints and ligaments throughout the body, making them more flexible but potentially less stable. As a result, pregnant women may experience increased mobility but also a higher risk of discomfort and injury, especially in the knee joints, ankles, and pelvic floor.

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How to Counteract the Effects of Relaxin

To minimise discomfort and maintain strength, it’s essential to incorporate pelvic floor exercises into your pregnancy routine. Strengthening the pelvic floor can reduce the risk of urinary leakage and other common pregnancy-related issues.

Focus on all three types of pelvic floor exercises:

• Quick contractions to build reflexive strength
• Slow contractions to enhance endurance
• Endurance contractions to improve long-term stability

Additionally, strengthening the lower back and shoulders can help counteract imbalances and improve posture, reducing strain on the body.

Adapting to Hormonal Changes for a Smoother Pregnancy

Understanding how pregnancy hormones like relaxin influence your body can help you adjust your exercise routine effectively. By preparing your body with the right training and strengthening exercises, you can support a healthier, more comfortable pregnancy while minimising the risk of pain and injury.