PERIPHERAL JOINT LAXITY INCREASES IN PREGNANCY BUT DOES NOT CORRELATEWITH SERUM RELAXIN LEVELS

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to evaluate peripheral joint laxity during pregnancy and to determine whether serum relaxin levels are associated with increased joint laxity. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective observationa l study was performed. RESULTS: A significant increase in joint laxity was found in five of seven peripheral joints over the course of the p regnancy and post partum. There was no correlation with serum relaxin levels. There were no significant differences in joint laxity on the b asis of parity, age, or prepregnancy exercise levels. CONCLUSIONS: Per ipheral joint laxity is noted to increase as pregnancy progresses. The cause of this change is undetermined.