TOPIC – Posture in Pregnancy

Biomechanics II

SUBMITTED BY : SUBMITTED TO :
AYUSH SINGH Dr. Yamini Sharma
19SMAS1010007
BPT 3RD YEAR 6TH SEMESTER
DEFINITION :

Pregnancy , as a natural process produces a number of

physiological changes in a woman's body. Weight gain in
pregnancy challenges the musculoskeletal system to adapt
accordingly. These progressions make both the stance and
stride different for pregnant ladies from non-pregnant.
These changes make both the posture and gait pattern of
pregnant women different from non-pregnant subjects.
Biomechanical Considerations :

• Anterior tilt of the pelvis.

• Hyperextended knees.
• Increased lumbur lordosis.
• Posterior shift of gravity line.
• Hyper kyphosis of the upper thoracic spine.
• Protracted shoulders.
• Anterior angulation of the cervical region.
• Extension of the occiput on atlas.
• Associated with these postural changes is a waddling gait pattern.
Changes in the Spine :

• Lack of positional adjustment in the lumbar curve occurs as the center

of mass translates anteriorly during pregnancy.
• The upper body becomes and unstable as the force of gravity becomes
distant from the hip, generating a larger hip moment.
• In pregnancy women exhibit a sway-back posture. The upper trunk
moves posterior to the lower body causing the center of gravity to shift
posteriorly, and causing an increase in the tone of head and neck
muscles, causing the head to shift anteriorly in order to compensate
the shift of center of gravity and prevent falling.
Changes in the Knee :

• Pregnant women tend to compensate anterior shift in COG by

hyperextending their knees, so that they can maintain their balance and
upright posture. ACL adapts to the demands put on the knee because
of hypertension and lengthens throughout the pregnancy as a result of
impingement against the femoral notch .
• Laxity in the Knee increases early in the pregnancy and decreases
significantly in the postpartum period .
• The changes in the joint laxity can persist following pregnancy
making the women prone to developing OA and other musculoskeletal
conditions .
Changes in the Ankle and Foot

• An increase in the circumference of the foot and reduction in the plantar

arch occurs as a result of biomechanical changes during pregnancy and
puerperium. Whereas weight gain and ligamentous laxity can cause an
increase in the foot's length and width.
• During pregnancy, the exertion of forces shift from the posterior to the
anterior feet with resulting increments at the forefoot and, predominantly, at
the midfoot.
• Inflammation of plantar fascia can occur as a result of added stress due
to Flat feet.
• The centre of mass relocates as the bodyweight increases, redistributing the
plantar load, which is reported to be correlated with foot complaints.
THANK YOU