When Do Hips Widen During Pregnancy?

Introduction

Pregnancy is a beautiful journey, but it comes with a lot of changes in a woman’s body. One of the most significant changes during pregnancy is the widening of the hips. The hips widening during pregnancy is a natural process that allows the baby to have enough space to grow and eventually come out during delivery. In this article, we will discuss when do hips widen during pregnancy and why it happens.

When Do Hips Start to Widen?

The hips start to widen during the second trimester of pregnancy, which is around 14 to 24 weeks. This process is known as pelvic widening or pelvic girdle pain. The widening of the hips is caused by the hormone relaxin, which is produced by the body during pregnancy.

Why Do Hips Widen During Pregnancy?

As mentioned earlier, hips widen during pregnancy to accommodate the growing baby. During pregnancy, the body produces hormones that help to relax the ligaments and joints in the pelvis. This enables the pelvis to expand and create more room for the baby to grow. The widening of the hips also helps to prepare the body for labor and delivery.

How Much Do Hips Widen During Pregnancy?

The amount of hip widening during pregnancy varies from woman to woman. On average, the hips widen by 1 to 2 inches during pregnancy. However, some women may experience more widening, while others may not experience any widening at all.

Do Hips Stay Wide After Pregnancy?

After delivery, the hips may not return to their pre-pregnancy size immediately. It may take a few weeks or even months for the hips to return to their normal size. However, in some cases, the hips may remain wider permanently. This is because the ligaments and joints in the pelvis may have stretched permanently during pregnancy.

How to Relieve Hip Pain During Pregnancy?

Some women may experience hip pain during pregnancy due to the widening of the hips. Here are some tips to relieve hip pain during pregnancy:

• Try to maintain good posture
• Use a pregnancy pillow to support your hips while sleeping
• Wear comfortable shoes with good arch support
• Do pelvic tilts and stretches to relieve hip pain
• Take warm baths to relax your muscles

Conclusion

The widening of the hips during pregnancy is a natural and necessary process for the growing baby. It is caused by the hormone relaxin, which helps to relax the ligaments and joints in the pelvis. The hips start to widen during the second trimester of pregnancy and may widen by 1 to 2 inches on average. After delivery, the hips may take some time to return to their pre-pregnancy size. If you experience hip pain during pregnancy, try some of the tips mentioned above to relieve the pain.