Yes, hips can get wider after birth, and they may stay slightly wider permanently.
While the body undergoes significant changes during pregnancy to accommodate the growing baby, the hips are specifically affected to facilitate childbirth. Here's a more detailed breakdown:
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During Pregnancy: Hormones like relaxin are released, which loosen ligaments and joints throughout the body, including the pelvic joints. This allows the pelvis to expand slightly in preparation for delivery.
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During Delivery: The pelvis widens to allow the baby to pass through the birth canal.
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Postpartum: While some of the ligament laxity decreases after birth, the hips may not return to their pre-pregnancy size. This is because the pelvic bones may have shifted or separated slightly during pregnancy and delivery.
It's important to note that the degree to which hips widen after birth varies from woman to woman. Factors such as genetics, the number of pregnancies, and the size of the baby can all play a role. Some women may notice a significant difference in their hip size, while others may not experience any noticeable change.
Therefore, while not everyone experiences a permanent widening of the hips, it is a common occurrence after childbirth due to hormonal changes and the physical demands of pregnancy and delivery.
