My joints are ruined after pregnancy!

[FrannyApple]

My son is 4 months old and the joints in my knees and hips are a mess. I can't stretch my legs out without wincing. Because my knees hurt so much.

I am not overweight although obviously put some on during pregnancy, I'm just average for my height.

Has anyone had this issue? I feel.like I can't imagine it ever getting better it hurts so much.

Yes, I've lost my knees. I never had to think about getting down (and back up!) on the floor before but now I need to think it through beforehand and plan my movements.

I am quite shocked; I thought joint pain happened to old people who happily accepted their lot cos you know, ageing. I am not ageing! I refuse!

Are you breastfeeding? This produces relaxin too. I had trouble with almost all my joints after having dd, even my thumbs! Support bandages help. And physio.

It does pass btw, so don't get too despondent!

Don't worry it's a post partum thing. I'm no doctor but, was told was to do with the hormone relaxin which is produced during pregnancy to make sure your hips and ribs etc get loose enough to make room for baby. However it effects all your joints and make them all more moveable (if that makes sense). Then after you have the baby and stop breastfeeding the relaxin hormone reduces and then all yours joints tighten up again and become all stiff! So it's basically your body going back to normal. But it hurts like heck, you feel old but honestly it will pass!

I honestly thought I had arthritis in my knees and ankles and was googling it was going to see doctor but thankfully my friend had done the same when their babies were around 9-12 months (or whenever they stopped breastfeeding/ body staring to go back to normal) and she was like nah it's fine it's all normal. Phew!!

It happened with both my children. Terrifying but did pass!! Google relaxin and post partum and you'll find lots on it.

I've got this as well!!
Had baby 12 weeks ago and seriously been thinking I've now got arthritis in my knees, it's bloody awful. I've googled this and can't find much anywhere, so I'm pleased to know this won't be forever

I know this is an old thread but how are you ladies feeling now. Any improvement, what did you do to feel better.

Thanks