How Many Inches Do Hips Widen During Pregnancy [Answered]

Pregnancy. It’s an exciting time as you prepare for your baby to arrive. You might be thinking about how you’ll decorate the nursery and what names will make it onto your shortlist. 

But it can also be a worrying and nervous time as you notice your body going through a number of changes during your pregnancy in preparation for childbirth. 

You may feel a bit daunted when you look in the mirror and see your body changing, but it’s all completely natural.

After all, you’re growing a human inside you and your body is going on a beautiful and incredible journey.

You feel different too and question every little twinge and ache. So, how do you know what’s normal? 

There’s usually no need to worry, and we’re here to help answer some questions you might have, to put your mind at ease.

How many inches do hips widen during pregnancy?

As your body prepares for childbirth, you may notice that your hips widen by a couple of inches during pregnancy, although some women have reported their hips expanding by up to 6 inches. 

This is normal. Your body is expanding to support your growing baby and make it easier for them to exit the birth canal during delivery.

Relaxin is the hormone that is released during pregnancy and it helps to soften the ligaments in your pelvis, making them more flexible.

This allows your hips to open up slightly to make room for your baby to pass through the birth canal during labor. 

You might notice that your hips feel looser and less stable during pregnancy as a result of this.

Some women may find that their hips widen so much during pregnancy that they need to invest in new, larger-sized clothes to accommodate their changing shape.

If you’re noticing your hips are getting wider, don’t panic. It’s a natural and necessary part of pregnancy, and there’s nothing you can do to stop it from happening.

Ps. To maintain general health during pregnancy, make sure you read my latest article about the best probiotics during pregnancy according to research and how they can help.

Does it hurt when your hips widen during pregnancy?

You may experience achy joints, but this is only temporary, and in most cases, things will return to normal postpartum.

You’re waddling instead of walking. You can’t sleep on your stomach anymore. And it feels like your hips are about to pop out of their sockets.

Yes, pregnancy can be tough on your body – but fortunately, most of the aches and pains are temporary.

One common pregnancy complaint is a pain in the hips, as they begin to widen in preparation for childbirth.

For some women, this widening can cause the joints to become misaligned, leading to pain and discomfort.

However, there is no need to suffer in silence – there are several things you can do to ease the pain. First, make sure you’re getting enough rest and exercise.

Staying active will help to keep your muscles and joints loose, while rest will help your body to recover from the demands of pregnancy.

You can also try using a pregnancy pillow or wearing supportive footwear.

If the pain persists, make sure to talk to your doctor – they may be able to recommend additional treatments.

Do wide hips mean I’m gaining weight?

Weight gain during pregnancy can vary from woman to woman.

It’s normal to gain between 22-26lbs, and the majority of this weight will be gained after week 20 of your pregnancy. 

Much of this extra weight is due to your baby growing, but your body also starts to store fat during this time, as it gets ready to make breast milk once your baby is born.

It’s important to eat healthily and stay active during pregnancy, but it’s not the time to diet, as this can harm your baby. 

Every woman’s pregnancy and childbirth experience is different.

So, while it’s good to listen to advice from others who may have been through it, trust your own instincts and concentrate on how you feel.

Just because something happened to someone else, doesn’t mean it will happen to you too. 

Your body is incredible and knows exactly what to do to grow your baby and prepare for childbirth.

It will work hard during your pregnancy, so it’s important that you look after it. 

So, relax, make time to enjoy your pregnancy, and look forward to the arrival of your little one. 

What week in pregnancy do hips widen?

Your hips will start expanding around weeks 10 to 12 of pregnancy when relaxin, a protein that loosens the ligament fibers in the body to accommodate a baby, begins to increase.

This can cause pain in the lower back and pelvis as your ligaments begin to stretch.

The good news is that this is a temporary side effect and your ligaments will go back to normal after you give birth.

To help alleviate the pain, it is important to stay active and maintain good posture.

Additionally, you can try using a heating pad or taking a warm bath to help relax your muscles. If the pain is severe, please consult your doctor.

How do I know if my hips are too wide?

During pregnancy, it is common for your hips to become wider as your body prepares for childbirth.

However, in some cases, the hips may widen too much, which can lead to pain and discomfort.

Hips typically widen by about 1.5 inches during pregnancy, but some women may experience up to a 4-inch increase.

If you are experiencing pain in your hips or pelvis, speak to your doctor, as this could be a sign of symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD), a condition that can make it difficult to walk or move.

Additionally, you may be at risk for SPD if you have previously had pelvic or hip surgery, if you are carrying twins or more, or if you are pregnant with a large baby.

There are several things you can do to ease the pain of SPD, including wearing supportive footwear, using a pregnancy pillow, and avoiding high-impact activities.

If the pain is severe, your doctor may recommend additional treatments, such as physiotherapy or chiropractic care.

Wide hips during pregnancy boy or girl?

One common myth is that if you have wide hips, you’re more likely to have a baby girl.

However, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. The width of your hips is determined by your bone structure and has nothing to do with the gender of your baby.

Widening of the hips is a normal part of pregnancy and will happen regardless of whether you’re having a boy or a girl.

What can I do about wide hips during pregnancy?

You’re not alone if you’re looking in the mirror and wondering what you can do about your wide hips during pregnancy.

Many women notice extra width in their hips, and it can be a source of insecurity during an already vulnerable time.

The good news is that there are a few things you can do to help improve the appearance of your hips.

First, make sure you’re wearing the right size pants. Pants that are too tight will only accentuate your hips, so it’s important to find a pair that fits comfortably.

Second, try to avoid standing for long periods of time. Prolonged standing can make your hips look even wider, so take a seat whenever possible.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of clothing.

A flowing dress or skirt can help to camouflage your hips, and you might be surprised how flattering the right outfit can be.

With a little effort, you can feel confident and beautiful at any stage of pregnancy.

How to shrink hips after pregnancy

After you’ve welcomed your new little one into the world, you might be eager to start shedding the pregnancy weight.

And while it’s true that you’ll need to be patient as your body recovers and readjusts, there are some things you can do to help shrink your hips.

First, make sure you’re getting enough protein and fiber. Protein helps repair and rebuild muscle tissue, while fiber helps fill you up and keep things moving along internally.

Second, get moving! A moderate workout routine will help tone your muscles and boost your metabolism. Finally, cut back on salt and sugar.

Too much of either can cause water retention and bloating, which can make your hips appear larger than they actually are.

By following these simple tips, you can help get your body back to its pre-baby state in no time.

Your body needs about 3 months to recover from giving birth. During the first few weeks, your pelvis will gradually shift back into place.

If you had a c-section, it may take a bit longer for your incision to heal and your uterus to shrink back to its normal size.

You may also experience some loose skin around your midsection, which will eventually tighten with time and regular exercise.

While it may seem like a long road ahead, remember that you’ve just accomplished the amazing feat of growing and delivering a human being!

So, take things one day at a time, be patient with your body, and soon you’ll be back to your old self again.