Postural deviation in pregnancy: A significant debilitating balance problem which can be rectified by physiotherapeutic intervention.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of physiotherapeutic intervention to improve the deviated balance of pregnant women. A total of 174 subjects were included in the study out of which 62 had postural deviation. They were divided into three groups, two intervention groups and one control group. The target population consisted of women in the antenatal stage, randomly selected from Obstetrics and Gynecology OPD, PGIMER, Chandigarh. The study was conducted over a period of 3 years (2014-2017). They were advised exercises, postural correction, regular walking, and hot water fomentation. Six follow-ups were taken into consideration throughout the pregnancy and postnatal stage. The impact of the intervention package on both ante-natal and postnatal women with balance problems showed significant improvement. Postural deviations, pain, heaviness in the lower limb, incontinence, breathlessness, etc., are common complaints during and after pregnancy. The problem starts early in pregnancy and increased over time and may persist throughout life if treatment does not start early in the pregnancy. This intervention can be practiced in primary care setting after giving proper training to the health care workers by experienced physiotherapists.