# Why Do Hips Hurt During Pregnancy?
Pregnancy can be an exciting but also an uncomfortable time for women. Many women experience aches and pains and during this time, hip pain is very common. It can cause severe discomfort for many women and can even interfere with normal activities. Here, we take a closer look at why hips hurt during pregnancy and what can be done to get relief.
## What Causes Hip Pain During Pregnancy?
There are several factors that can contribute to hip pain during pregnancy, some of which include:
* Body Changes: The hormones released during pregnancy cause ligaments to soften and the uterus to expand, which can result in discomfort in the hips and pelvis.
* Weight Gain: Pregnancy can often result in the woman’s body gaining weight quickly. This extra weight places pressure on the hips, causing pain and discomfort.
* Posture Changes: Due to the extra weight, the pregnant woman’s posture can change, causing the hips to become misaligned. This misalignment can cause pain and difficulty moving.
* Hormonal Factors: Hormones released during pregnancy cause muscles to relax and weaken, which can affect posture and mobility, resulting in pain and discomfort.
## What Can I Do To Relieve Hip Pain?
Thankfully, there are several tactics pregnant mothers can take to alleviate or reduce hip pain. They include:
* Exercise: Low impact exercise such as swimming, prenatal yoga and walking can help strengthen the muscles in the hips, abdomen and lower back, resulting in pain reduction.
* Stretching: Gentle stretching can help relieve tightness and loosen up stiff muscles.
* Rest: Making sure to get plenty of rest throughout the day can help reduce hip pain.
* Heat or Ice: Applying heat or ice to the area can help reduce inflammation, swelling and pain.
* Massage: A light massage can help relax tight muscles, which can help alleviate the pain.
It is important to speak to your doctor or midwife if you are experiencing hip pain during your pregnancy, as they can offer further advice and treatment if needed.
Pregnancy can be an exciting time, but it can also bring a number of changes to a woman’s body. Hip pain is common during pregnancy and there are a few factors that can contribute to it. Thankfully, there are several steps a pregnant woman can take in order to find relief, such as exercise and rest. If the pain persists, it is best to speak to a doctor or midwife.
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