TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2015//
TI  - Postural balance and the risk of falling during pregnancy
JO  - Journal of maternal-fetal and neonatal medicine : the official journal of the European Association of Perinatal Medicine, the Federation of Asia and Oceania Perinatal Societies, the International Society of Perinatal Obstetricians
A1  - Cakmak, Bulent
A1  - Ribeiro, Ana Paula
A1  - Inanir, Ahmet
SP  - 1623
EP  - 1625
VL  - 29
IS  - 10
N2  - Pregnancy is a physiological process and many changes occur in a woman's body during pregnancy. These changes occur in all systems to varying degrees, including the cardiovascular, respiratory, genitourinary, and musculoskeletal systems. The hormonal, anatomical, and physiological changes occurring during pregnancy result in weight gain, decreased abdominal muscle strength and neuromuscular control, increased ligamentous laxity, and spinal lordosis. These alterations shift the centre of gravity of the body, altering the postural balance and increasing the risk of falls. Falls during pregnancy can cause maternal and foetal complications, such as maternal bone fractures, head injuries, internal haemorrhage, abruption placenta, rupture of the uterus and membranes, and occasionally maternal death or intrauterine foetal demise. Preventative strategies, such as physical exercise and the use of maternity support belts, can increase postural stability and reduce the risk of falls during pregnancy. This article reviews studies that have investigated changes in postural balance and risk of falling during pregnancy.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 1476-7058
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.3109/14767058.2015.1057490
ID  - ref1
ER  -