What Are The Signs Of Labor?

Loose Joints

Dreamstime

One of the more unusual signs of labor that's rarely talked about is a loosening of the joints. Before a woman's body begins to deliver the baby, she'll notice a relaxing and loosening of her joints. This is because of a hormonal reaction happening in the body. A substance called relaxin softens the ligaments, which allows the pelvis to open and be ready for the birth of a baby. Without this effect, birth would be a lot more painful and borderline impossible. Relaxin is produced in combination by the placenta and ovaries. It only appears during pregnancy and has vital effects on the reproductive system. As women get ready to have a baby, relaxin will soften and widen their cervix as well as relax their pelvic ligaments. Relaxin is secreted throughout the pregnancy, not just at the end of it. In fact, the hormone tends to reach its peak during the first trimester. As women get closer to labor, the hormone will help the membranes surrounding the baby to rupture.

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