Why are my joints so achy postpartum?

Understanding Postpartum Joint Pain
Postpartum joint pain is a common experience for many new mothers, affecting various joints throughout the body, including the fingers, knees, and hips. This discomfort can be attributed to several physiological and hormonal changes that occur during and after pregnancy.
Hormonal Changes and Joint Stability
During pregnancy, the body produces a hormone called relaxin, which helps toCauses of Postpartum Joint Pain
Postpartum joint pain is a common experience for many new mothers. There are several key reasons why joints can become achy and painful after giving birth:
1. Physical Stress of Pregnancy and Childbirth: The body goes through significant physical changes and stress during pregnancy and childbirth. The added weight and strain on joints, as well as the trauma of labor and delivery, can lead to inflammation and soreness in the joints.
2. Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy causes major hormonal shifts, including the release of the hormone relaxin. Relaxin helps loosen ligaments to prepare the body for childbirth, but this can also lead to joint instability and pain after delivery.
3. Postpartum Arthritis: Some women develop a form of postpartum arthritis, where the immune system becomes overactive and attacks the joints, causing inflammation and pain. This is more common in women with a history of autoimmune disorders.
4. Vitamin D Deficiency: Low vitamin D levels, which are common after pregnancy, can contribute to joint aches and pains. Vitamin D is important for bone and joint health.
5. Fatigue and Lack of Sleep: The exhaustion and sleep deprivation that often comes with caring for a newborn can exacerbate joint pain and make it feel worse.
Managing Postpartum Joint Pain
There are several ways new mothers can help manage and relieve postpartum joint pain:
– Rest and Recover: Getting as much rest as possible, even if just short breaks, can help the body heal and reduce inflammation.
– Stay Active: Light exercise like walking can help improve joint mobility and strength, but avoid overdoing it.
– Apply Heat/Cold Therapy: Using heating pads or ice packs on painful joints can provide relief.
– Take Anti-Inflammatory Medication: Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen can help reduce swelling and pain.
– Consider Supplements: Supplements like vitamin D, omega-3s, and glucosamine may help support joint health.
– Seek Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can provide targeted exercises and treatments to improve joint function.
Overall, postpartum joint pain is a common experience, but there are ways to manage the discomfort and support the body’s recovery. With time and the right self-care, the aches and pains should subside.

How long does joint pain last after delivery?

Some symptoms may last a few days, while others may last several weeks. What can I do about postpartum pain? There are many ways to control pain, including self-help treatments, over-the-counter medications, and prescription medications.

What is the 5 5 5 rule for postpartum?

The 5-5-5 postpartum rule prescribes 15 days of rest for moms following childbirth – five days in the bed, five days on the bed and five days around the bed. It encourages moms to take a break from housework and caring for older children, and simply spend time with the new baby.

Why do my joints hurt so much postpartum?

Postpartum joint pain often arises from hormonal fluctuations, extra weight gained during pregnancy, and shifts in posture associated with childbirth. These factors can lead to joint stiffness and discomfort as the body gradually adjusts after delivery.

How long does relaxin stay in the body postpartum?

The level of relaxin in your body drops after birth but remains at a decreased level for several months. Some sources say it can take up to 12 months for relaxin levels to return to pre-pregnancy levels. This means you should continue to be cautious with exercise because your ligaments and joints will still be loose.

When does the relaxin hormone go away?

Relaxin levels decrease after the first trimester, but the hormone stays in your body for the remainder of pregnancy and several months after. Relaxin loosens the muscles, joints and ligaments of your pelvis to help make the labor and delivery process easier.

Can pregnancy cause arthritis after birth?

During pregnancy, a Woman’s immune system changes to prevent the rejection of the fetus, and are more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis– in which your immune system attacks your body’s tissues. Female sex hormones, estrogen, and progesterone can play a role in leading to the cause of arthritis in many women after …

Why is my body so achy postpartum?

After birth, you may feel pain in your joints, bones, muscles, ligaments and tendons. Your shoulder may feel sore because you are changing your body posture for feeding. Your lower back or pelvis may also feel tender. Your womb stretched a lot during your pregnancy as your baby was growing.

How long does relaxin stay in body postpartum?

The level of relaxin in your body drops after birth but remains at a decreased level for several months. Some sources say it can take up to 12 months for relaxin levels to return to pre-pregnancy levels. This means you should continue to be cautious with exercise because your ligaments and joints will still be loose.

Can breastfeeding cause achy joints?

Using the non-breastfeeding group as a reference, the odds ratio (OR) for joint pain among women who breastfed ≥1 month was 1.49 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01–2.21). As the breastfeeding duration increased, the OR of joint pain prevalence also increased (p for trend; p = 0.002).

How long does postpartum inflammation last?

How to Ease Postpartum Swelling. It is normal for postpartum women to have swelling, especially in their legs and feet. It is usually your body’s way of getting rid of some of the excess fluid accumulated during pregnancy. Swelling may take up to two weeks to resolve.