Cross sectional study of biomechanics and anthropometric parameters in the three trimesters of pregnancy

Pregnancy is associated with significant physiological and anatomical changes in order to support optimum foetal growth and successful labour.1 It induces various immunological, physiological and metabolic changes that has an effect on the woman’s body.2 As the pregnancy progresses the foetal enlargement results in changes in mother’s centre of mass and hence changes the weight distribution pattern of mother.3 This also leads to changes in the centre of pressure which is the point where the resultant of all the forces act . The postural changes is counter balanced with compensatory changes in spinal posture. The changes in spinal posture may eventually even cause changes in the lower extremities as a compensatory mechanism to keep the line of gravity over the base of support. These postural changes could alter the biomechanics of the weight bearing joints of the lower extremities. The mentioned biomechanical and anthropometric changes are further augmented by pregnancy induced hormonal variations. Altered position of the joints alter the afferent feedback which further result in postural changes.

 In view of the various hormone induced and postural changes through pregnancy, this study proposes to assess and compare effects of pregnancy on the biomechanics and anthropometrics of the body through the various trimesters and during puerperium.