Posture, performance and discomfort in pregnancy

Abstract

This study examined changes in posture, discomfort and performance during various stages of pregnancy. Twelve subjects performed a typing task in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Posture was measured using goniometry and comfort was assessed using body-mapping techniques. The subjects showed a marked increase in their angles of trunk inclination and a general increase in discomfort between the second and third trimesters of their pregnancies. All body parts were found to be more uncomfortable in the third trimester and the largest changes occurred in the low back and lower legs. Advancing pregnancy had no effect on typing performance. © 1992.