Hormonal effects during pregnancy - how relaxin can affect your body

Relaxin is a hormone produced during pregnancy and has a unique function - it helps to soften and widen the tissues in the body, especially in the pelvic area, to facilitate childbirth. But relaxin can also affect other parts of the body, such as joints and ligaments, making them more mobile and less effective in stabilizing the body. This can increase the risk of injury and discomfort, especially around knee joints, ankle joints, and the pelvic floor.

It is therefore important to continue doing pelvic floor exercises during pregnancy, as this can strengthen the pelvic floor and reduce the risk of urinary leakage or other problems. Focus on all three types of pelvic floor exercises - quick contractions, slow contractions, and endurance contractions - to increase the strength and flexibility of the muscles. Training the lower back muscles and shoulders can also help counteract imbalances and strengthen the body's posture.

Understanding how hormones affect the body during pregnancy can help you adjust your exercise routine and avoid injuries. With the right preparation and training, you can give yourself the best chance of a strong and smooth pregnancy.