Many women suffer from postpartum joint pain thanks to natural posture changes to accommodate a growing belly, loosened ligaments throughout the body during pregnancy, and the constant physical demands of caring for a newborn.
Hormones
During pregnancy, women produce the hormone relaxin, which is responsible for loosening and relaxing the ligaments and tendons in the body, particularly those that are attached to the hips and pubic bone. While this helps to relax the joints in preparation for the fetus' journey through the birth canal, it can also cause abnormal motion and a greater range of motion that can result in inflammation and pain.
Types
Women may experience pain in the hips, back or tailbone near the end of their pregnancy and soon after delivery but neck, arm and wrist pain, resulting from the responsibilities of caring for a newborn, can also be common among postpartum women.
Causes
While the stress of pregnancy and childbirth can be responsible for postpartum joint pain, women who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis may notice symptoms worsen after childbirth, according to a study conducted by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases and published in the Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism.
Prevention/Solution
According to the American Pregnancy Association, women can reduce the amount of joint pain they experience by participating in a postnatal yoga or pilates class, posture re-training, physical therapy, massage and heat or ice packs.
Warning
While joint pain is common among postpartum women, women who experience severe postpartum joint aches and pains should contact a physician in order to determine if there is an alternative cause, such as thyroid disorder, that may require medical treatment.
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