Hansen A, Jensen D V, Larsen E, Wilken-Jensen C, Petersen L K
Department of Rheumatology, Herlev Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 1996 Mar;75(3):245-9. doi: 10.3109/00016349609047095.
The pregnancy associated hormone relaxin induces loosening of the pelvic ligaments in several species. This study was undertaken to evaluate whether pregnant women with symptom-giving girdle relaxation had increased serum relaxin concentrations during pregnancy.
Serum relaxin concentrations were measured in 38 pregnant women with symptom-giving pelvic girdle relaxation at the time of diagnosis, in the 30th and 38th week of pregnancy as well as 2 and 6 months after delivery. Fourteen pregnant women without symptoms served as a control group. Relaxin concentrations were measured by a homologous enzyme linked immuno-sorbent assay. All participants were clinically examined including tests for symptom-giving pelvic girdle relaxation.
No differences in serum relaxin concentrations were found throughout pregnancy and after delivery.
The present results do not suggest an important role for relaxin in symptom-giving pelvic girdle relaxation during human pregnancy.
