The fabulous part about relaxin is that things stretch and move easily. Those with tight hamstrings, or a stiff ankle (or knee or hips, etc) may gradually feel more ease while getting up off the floor, walking, etc. Many expecting moms feel less pain in their limbs or spine than when they’re not pregnant.
Relaxin doesn’t discriminate – it affects both stiffer areas and ones that are already relaxed. Often those who have stuck joints also have a hypermobile joint above or below (especially in the spine). So it becomes important to protect these hypermobile areas from moving too much, especially in late pregnancy (or often much earlier in subsequent pregnancies). Lots of popping, cracking, “throwing out” your back, joint sprains or strains are all signs of excessive hypermobility. Pregnancy belts, such as the Serola belt, can help stabilize hypermobile joints. Braces or kinesiotape on knees, wrists, ankles, etc. may provide extra support.
Using the Webster’s Technique to assess for pelvic misalignment and nerve interference during pregnancy helps us find and correct only the fixated joints. Adjustments to remove nerve interference and create balance in pregnancy are extraordinarily gentle and specific.
If you experience back pain, sciatica, pain in your pelvis, hip pain, extra popping or cracking in your back or hips, trouble rolling over in bed, round ligament pain, or groin pain, you may have a misalignment in your pelvis. Call us for a consultation to see if the Webster’s Technique could help you feel and birth better.