Effect of Pregnancy-Related Hormonal Changes on Joint Laxity and Lower-Limb Stability in Women Attending Tertiary Care Hospitals in Pakistan
Submission: 05 January 2026 | Acceptance: 20 February 2026 | Publication: 24 March 2026
1Dr Adila Ashraf, 2Dr Aneela Nadeem, 3Dr Imran Manzoor, 4Dr Rizwan Ichan Lodhi, 5Dr Mohammad Mujeeb ur Rehman, 6Dr Eman Madnia
1Assistant Professor Obs n Gynae, Continental medical College,Lahore.
2Assistant Professor Obs n Gynae,Continental medical college, Lahore.
3Associate Professor Orthopaedics, Continental Medical College, Lahore.
4Assistant Professor Orthopaedics, Continental Medical College, Lahore.
5Postgraduate Resident, Department of Orthopaedics, Continental Medical College, Lahore.
6Postgraduate Resident, Obs Gynae, Continental Medical College. Lahore.
ABSTRACT:
Background: During pregnant period, there are considerable changes in hormone levels, especially relaxin, progesterone, and estrogen are likely to have an impact on the elasticity of connective tissues and ligamentous arrangements. These hormonal changes may raise the laxity of joints and this can also undermine the stability of lower limbs. During pregnancy, changes in biomechanics can be considered potential causes of musculoskeletal pain, balance issues, and increase the likelihood of falls. Clinical importance of these changes has been reported, although there is scarcity of information on the effect of these investigations in Pakistan on the relationship between the changes in hormones during pregnancy and stability of the joint. These effects are incomprehensible without understanding how to enhance maternal musculoskeletal status and the preventive interventions in antenatal care.
Aim: The purpose of this research was to assess the impact of pregnancy-related hormonal alteration on lower-limb stability and joint laxity in Pakistani women care in the tertiary care hospitals.
Methods: The study was a descriptive cross-sectional study, carried out at Mayo Hospital, Lahore, in March 2025 to February, 2026. A sample of 90 pregnant women were recruited through the non-probability consecutive sampling method. The study was incorporated in women who were aged between 18 and 40 years and had made visits to the antenatal clinic at various trimesters of pregnancy. Clinical examination and structural assessment tools were used to gather the data. Joint laxity was measured by standardized ligament laxity tests and the Beighton score and lower-limb stability was measured using the tests of functional balance and gait stability. The interpretation of hormones was in line with the progress of gestation and clinical measurements. Demographic data and obstetric history were also taken. Data were described with the help of statistical software and results were presented in form of frequencies, percentage and mean + standard deviation where necessary.
Results: The average age of the 90 respondents was 28.6 and 4.2. Fifty four (60) women were found to have increased laxity in their joints whereas 36 (40) showed normal ligament stability. It was found that 47 (52.2) individuals had the lower-limb stability reduced; 43 (47.8) of them had a normal stability. Women during the third trimester exhibited joint laxity more often than they did during other trimester. The subjects having a better score in joint laxity also exhibited an increased propensity towards the balance instability and gait fluctuations.
Conclusion: The research also concluded that the effect of pregnancy-related hormonal changes had a great impact on the joint laxity and lower-limb stability in pregnant women. Reduced balance and functional stability was usually connected with increased ligament laxity especially during the later pregnancy phase. These results revealed the significance of musculoskeletal evaluation and preventive physiotherapy solutions at the antenatal care stage and how they can minimize the possibility of instability and falls.
Keywords: Pregnancy, Hormonal Changes, Joint Laxity, Lower-Limb Stability, Relaxin, Maternal Musculoskeletal health, Pakistan.