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Ask A Childbirth Educator
Questions and Answer

Q. After a woman gives birth to a child do her hips remain wider than before conception?

A. They can remain a little wider. The rib cage and foot may also be wider as well. The hormones that relax the soft tissue and cartilage in pregnancy can cause the bones to spread, and after the birth they may not go back to the way they were prepregnancy. Most women notice a change in shoe size or bra size because of this. It does vary with the individual though.

Karen Klimsak-Ungar, CCE has been a certified childbirth educator for Birth Works® since 1996. She is currently Managing Editor for the Birth Works newsletter, sits on the Birth Works Board of Directors, and serves on their National Trainee Review Committee. A happily married mother of two, she also continues to teach Birth Works classes as well as private classes.

Karen will answer your questions on fertility, pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and babies. Her advice does not take the place of your practitioner. Personal answers will not always be possible.