Expectant mothers often wonder if their hips will widen during pregnancy. The pelvic region undergoes modifications to prepare for childbirth. These changes are a natural part of the physiological process of pregnancy.
Pelvic Changes During Pregnancy
The alterations in the pelvic area during pregnancy are primarily driven by hormonal influences. A hormone called relaxin plays a role in this process, increasing in levels as early as 10 to 12 weeks of gestation. Relaxin’s main function is to loosen ligaments and joints throughout the body, with a particular focus on the pelvic region. This increased laxity allows for greater mobility in joints that are typically very stable.
Specifically, relaxin affects the pubic symphysis, which is the joint connecting the two halves of the pelvis at the front, and the sacroiliac joints, located at the back where the sacrum meets the hip bones. The softening and stretching of the ligaments surrounding these joints enable them to expand slightly. This physiological expansion of the pelvis is a natural mechanism designed to create more space for the growing fetus and to facilitate the baby’s passage through the birth canal during delivery.
Measuring Hip Widening and Postpartum Recovery
The extent of hip widening varies among individuals. The pubic symphysis can widen by up to 10 millimeters during pregnancy, with an average separation around 4.8 millimeters. The sacroiliac joints can also spread by several millimeters. While ligaments loosen, the bony structure of the pelvis does not permanently expand by a large margin.
Most women notice their hip measurement increases by approximately 2-5 centimeters during pregnancy. This widening is a temporary change, with the body beginning to return to its pre-pregnancy state after delivery. The levels of relaxin gradually decrease after birth, allowing ligaments and joints to tighten over several months.
Most women experience a return of their hips to their pre-pregnancy size, generally recovering 70-80% of the original widening within 6-12 months postpartum. However, some women may find their hips remain slightly wider, typically by 1-2 centimeters, due to slight permanent alterations in the pelvic structure. Postpartum exercises, such as pelvic tilts, bridges, and side-lying hip exercises, can aid in recovery by strengthening core muscles and improving pelvic stability.