Relaxin hormone during pregnancy - All you need to know

Relaxin hormone during pregnancy - All you need to know -

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As the deadline is fast approaching, you're probably in a panic for the upcoming work. And, if you are worried about being able to push the baby out with ease, even if it helps, you're not alone. But, do not worry too much, because a little 'relaxin can facilitate the process. Here Momjunction has some information about the hormone relaxin during pregnancy. So, read our post below.

What is Relaxin Hormone?

Relaxin is a hormone that the body produces during pregnancy. relaxin production usually begins after ovulation. hormone levels increase during the first quarter and in the last weeks of pregnancy. The main function of the hormone relaxin during pregnancy is to loosen and relax your pelvic muscles to facilitate vaginal delivery [1].

However, relaxin is also found in men and non-pregnant women. But during pregnancy, women experience a sharp increase in the production of relaxin. The uterine lining, the placenta and membranes around the fetus - all produce the hormone relaxin to facilitate delivery. In the case of non-pregnant women, the corpus luteum, a structure in the ovary that secretes hormones, alone produces the hormone. In men, the prostate secretes the hormone relaxin in their bodies.

[ Read: Pregnancy Hormones ]

role as Relaxin Hormone During Pregnancy:
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Relaxin hormone serves several functions in the body during pregnancy. Some of them include:

The role of relaxin during pregnancy is, widens the pelvic muscles to prepare the body for birth. The ease with which you can push your child during the natural childbirth process depends on the flexibility of the pelvic muscles. Relaxin also relaxes the pelvic muscles.

relaxin helps stretch the abdominal muscles during pregnancy. This is an important function because the abdominal muscles must constantly strive to accommodate your growing child. The presence of relaxin in pregnant also extends the rib cage so that the body can better adapt to the increasing pressure on the diaphragm from the uterus. Relaxin affects other ligaments as well. The increase in hormone production during pregnancy makes the most of the more flexible tendons and ligaments than normal.

Relaxin inhibits uterine contractions during the early stages of pregnancy, which prevents premature births [2].

[ Read: Progesterone Level During Pregnancy ]

Other Effects of Relaxin hormone during pregnancy:

So you see, the hormone relaxin is very useful during pregnancy. But it may trigger some other effects, which can lead to minor discomfort or health problems. So, you must learn all of these effects of relaxin during pregnancy, which often include:

Relaxin during pregnancy also affects the ligaments of the spine, which can lead to pain and instability. So, you need to pay special attention to posture during pregnancy, as it is more susceptible to back problems [3].

If you are pregnant, you may suffer from pelvic girdle pain (PGP). pelvic girdle refers to the bony structure that supports the legs, hip, and other surrounding joints. Anyone can experience PGP. But when you are pregnant, the cause of PGP often changes in the pelvic belt structure due to effects of the hormone relaxin. Relaxin and other hormones can make the pelvic girdle ligaments loose, which can cause pain in the pelvic joints [4].

During pregnancy, when the muscles are loose due to the effects of hormones such as relaxin, you are at a greater risk for injury. You can overstretch the muscles and even risking a fall. For example, you may be working on yoga poses or stretching exercises that promote flexibility, but because of ligaments lose, you may risk over-stretching the various joints and muscles. Therefore, it is best to stick to exercises that promote the stability according to the doctor's recommendations [5].

The hormone relaxin can make you shaky or unstable during pregnancy. But it is essential to make it easier birth process. So, be very careful of your posture during pregnancy, especially during the first and third quarters, when relaxin is at its peak in your body.

You experience severe back or posture problems during your pregnancy?

[ Read: Pelvic Girdle Pain During Pregnancy ]

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