The body mass index as a determinant of balance in the postpartum women: A comprehensive review

Background The puerperium, or postpartum period, is the phase that begins after childbirth and lasts until the mother's body has physically, biomechanically, and psychologically attuned back to its pre-pregnancy state. Understanding this physiological component of balance during this phase is essential for mothers who undergo changes in their body mass index (BMI). Balance refers to the ability to maintain the body's centre of gravity through the integrated functioning of the visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive systems, in coordination with the musculoskeletal and central nervous systems. Body Mass Index (BMI) is widely used anthropometric measure that assesses an individual’s body weight relative to height. Objective: To comprehensive review the articles on relationship of Body mass index as key determinant in balance on postpartum women. Methodology: Articles identified through systematic searches on PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect, Cochrane. Based on Level of Evidence and 10 articles were identifies based on PRISMA guidelines and CASP >7 and comprehensive evidence-based literature study was carried out. Result: This comprehensive review of 10 articles strongly indicate that Body Mass Index (BMI) plays a critical role in influencing both postpartum recovery and postural balance. The reviewed literature highlights that BMI significantly affects body composition during the postpartum period where women with elevated BMI tend to experience greater weight retention after delivery and are at increased risk of developing biomechanical complications. Conclusion: Women who maintain a healthy BMI and engage in structured postpartum exercise programs, particularly those involving pelvic floor training, strengthening of core muscles can have a improved balance.