Relaxin - Pregnancy

Home >>  Glossary, My Pregnancy, Pregnancy Hormones  >>  Relaxin

Relaxin

Relaxin is a protein hormone, which you are going to love in the delivery room!

silhouette of pregnant woman

Free image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net

It is produced in your ovaries, breasts and placenta. The placenta accounts for the increase in your relaxin levels during pregnancy. Normally, relaxin levels peak in your body on day 14 of your menstrual cycle and drop again if your egg is not fertilised. However, if conception does occur your relaxin levels will increase throughout your first trimester, peaking at 14 weeks of pregnancy and during labour and childbirth.

Relaxin is such a great hormone because it is responsible for the softening of your pubis symphysis and other pelvic joints, muscles and ligaments. This means that when it is time to push your baby’s head through your cervix and vagina, your job will be a bit easier. However, sometimes there can be so much relaxin in your body that you end up getting SPD, which can make your pregnancy quite frustrating and uncomfortable.

What does relaxin do your body?

Like most of your pregnancy hormones, relaxin can cause a few annoying pregnancy symptoms including:

  • Aching hips and pelvic joints or SPD
  • Gastrointestinal discomforts, such as heartburn and indigestion
  • A lack of balance and the clumsiness that usually accompanies it. So ladies be careful, especially as your due date approaches. And don’t worry your duck walk is sexy!

Back to FSH

Next to Vasopressin

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Did you like this article?
Would you like to stay updated?

Skip to toolbar