You may experience increased joint laxity due to the hormone relaxin which is released into the body to allow your uterus to expand as the baby grows. However, this hormone does not act specifically on the uterus, but on all connective tissues throughout the body, such as ligaments and tendons, which surround and support the joints. Exercise helps to strengthen tendons and ligaments, but may also increase injury potential from stress to the joints if the exerciser does not protect the joints by doing exercises correctly. Pain may also occur in the sacroiliac and pelvic joints. Stretching and thinning of the abdominal wall occurs, often contributing to low back pain and discomfort.
Exercise helps minimize postural changes and low back pain.
The center of gravity shifts forward and the pelvis also rotates forward. Exercise may help minimize postural changes by increasing muscle tone in all muscle groups throughout the body. Coordination may be impaired during exercise, requiring some activities to be modified to avoid injury or discomfort. The round ligaments extend outward from the uterus on either side of the walls of the pelvis. As the uterus enlarges, more strain is exerted on these ligaments.