Effect of Pregnancy on Anthropometric Parameters and Balance through the Trimesters and Puerperium – A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract Background: Anthropometric and biomechanical changes brought on by pregnancy-related physiological and hormonal changes in women may affect their arthrokinematics and balance, increasing their risk of falling and endangering both the fetus and the mother during the antenatal period. These changes if not reverted back to their normal levels can even give rise to musculoskeletal issues in the postnatal period. Hence, this research aimed to analyze the effect of pregnancy anthropometric parameters and balance through the trimesters and puerperium. Materials and Methods: One hundred and one female subjects (three trimesters of pregnancy and puerperium) were recruited in a cross-sectional study after receiving an institutional ethical committee approval and registration from CTRI (2021/06/034253). Anthropometrics and balance were evaluated using standardized tests and procedures that had good psychometric properties. Results: Data analysis was done using SPSS Software Version 26. Quantitative analysis was done using inferential statistics and the tests performed were one-way ANOVA test, post hoc Bonferroni test, and Chi-square test. The trunk and hip flexion range of motion, pelvic inclination, and balance showed a statistically significant change through pregnancy and in the puerperium period with a P < 0.05. Conclusion: The trunk, hip, and ankle mobility and balance decreased through pregnancy and increased in the puerperium period but did not reach the normal values. Lumbar curvature and anterior pelvic tilt increased during pregnancy and showed a reduction in the puerperium period.