Understanding Hypermobility: How it Affects Pregnancy & Postpartum and What You Need to Know
Pregnancy is a beautiful and transformative journey, but for those with hypermobility, it can present unique challenges. Hypermobility refers to joints possessing the ability to move through more than “normal” ranges of motion. This extra “flexy” ability can be beneficial in ways, but also poses concerns from other aspects. Understanding how hypermobility impacts pregnancy is extraordinarily beneficial for expectant and current mothers with this attribute.
What is hypermobility?
Hypermobility is a condition characterized by more than average flexibility within the joints. While some degree of joint flexibility is normal, individuals with hypermobility have a wider range of motion than average. This increased flexibility is due to laxity in the connective tissues that hold the joints together, such as ligaments and tendons. This lack of stability within a joint can create tightness in surrounding structures (such as muscles and fascia) as the body goes through movement and needs that stability to keep us moving within ranges of motion that allow us to stay upright and innately prevent injury.
Hypermobility is often genetic, meaning it can be passed down from parents to their children. It is more common in women than men, and its severity varies from person to person. Some individuals may experience mild hypermobility with no significant impact on their daily lives, while others may have more pronounced symptoms and limitations. It is important to note that hypermobility can exist on a spectrum and not all individuals with hypermobile joints will develop pain or discomfort during pregnancy.
Why hypermobility is important in pregnancy
The connection between hypermobility and pregnancy lies in the changes that occur in a woman's body during this transformative period. Pregnancy hormones, such as relaxin and progesterone, play a crucial role in preparing the body for childbirth by loosening the ligaments and joints. In individuals with hypermobility, this natural loosening effect can exacerbate joint laxity, leading to increased instability and potential pregnancy and postpartum concerns.
How does hypermobility impact pregnancy?
Hypermobility can affect pregnancy in various ways, both physically and emotionally. The increased joint laxity associated with hypermobility can lead to a higher risk of musculoskeletal issues and can impact the stability of the pelvic joints, potentially leading to sacroiliac joint dysfunction or symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD). These conditions can cause pain in the lower back, hips, and pelvic area, making it uncomfortable for pregnant women to walk, stand, or sit for prolonged periods. The hormonal changes during pregnancy can further exacerbate these symptoms, adding to the overall discomfort.
Preparing for pregnancy with hypermobility: Tips and considerations
Pregnant women with hypermobility may be at an increased likelihood for discomfort during pregnancy, but that does not mean there aren’t proactive measures that can be easily acted upon! It’s important to help balance the “extra” laxity within the joint with more focus on stability movements through specific/focused strength and stability training to help shift flexibility (uncontrolled movement) to mobility (controlled movement). This is incredibly beneficial when started prior to pregnancy or early pregnancy to help support the changing body from the beginning! Relaxin peaks around 12-14 weeks so the earlier, the better!
Managing hypermobility-related pain and discomfort during pregnancy
As always, the impact of hypermobility in pregnancy can vary and treatment is highly specific. Though we may not be able to predict who will have discomfort during pregnancy with 100% accuracy, I, Dr. Dani, provide an individualized assessment, recommendations based on my exam findings, and a mom’s history and goals through pregnancy to ensure there is a proactive option for women wanting to become pregnant, currently pregnant or in the postpartum period.
Exercise during pregnancy for women with hypermobility
Pregnancy can be physically demanding, and managing hypermobility-related pain and discomfort can be important for a smooth pregnancy journey, birth and postpartum. Here are some strategies to help alleviate symptoms:
1. Gentle mobility and range-of-motion exercises: Engaging in specific mobility work such as using a lacrosse ball vs. static stretching can help improve tissue glide and reduce tension. It is INCREDIBLY important to avoid overstretching or pushing through your pre-pregnancy range of motion, as this can increase the risk of joint instability or injury. This is for my super flexy yogis out there! :P
2. Work on stabilizing those super flexy joints through corrective exercises to strengthen surrounding structures! Specific exercises can be recommended by a provider with additional training and background in this area (insert hand raise here)!
3. Finding and correcting asymmetries that are contributing to disfunction which leads me to…
4. Seek out knowledgable providers: Working with a physical or occupational therapist and a prenatal chiropractor (WITH ADDITIONAL PERINATAL REHAB/EXERCISE TRAINING) who specializes in pregnancy-related issues and hypermobility can be beneficial. They can provide tailored exercises, manual therapy techniques, and collaborative advice on managing discomfort.
Postpartum considerations for women with hypermobility
The postpartum period is a time of physical and emotional recovery, and it is important for women with hypermobility to take additional care during this phase. The hormones that create the mobility to allow for birth can remain for quite sometime. Studies vary in how long relaxin remains in the body, but some have cited up to over a year and this can be on the longer end if mom is breastfeeding. Since the body has gone through the trials of growing a human, carrying a human and bringing a human into this world, we want to SUPPORT moms in this period and allow her the space to take care of herself and heal. Taking this time to find support for postpartum and return to activity can be a game changer for women hoping to reduce discomfort and find guidance. Find a provider that prioritizes your recovery and is accommodating to bringing your children to the appointment (this is where in-home care comes in handy!), makes you feel cared for and provides a safe space for you to heal and express concerns.
Remember that postpartum recovery takes time, and it is important to be patient and gentle with yourself. Focus on nurturing yourself and bonding with your newborn, and seek support when needed.
Hey there!
My name is Dr. Dani and I’m an In-Home Chiropractor to busy individuals and families within the Denver Metro area. I love working with the pregnancy, postpartum and pediatric populations and strive for quality care through extended appointment times, follow-up recommendations and education so that you can feel both empowered and cared for!
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