Abstract
BackgroundThe function of the pelvic bones is to transfer load generated by body weight. Proper function of the pelvic bones can be disturbed by alignment changes that occur during pregnancy. Further, misalignment of the pelvic bones can lead to pain, urinary incontinence, and other complications. An understanding of the timing and nature of pelvic alignment changes during pregnancy may aid in preventing and treating these complications.ObjectiveTo investigate the changes in pelvic alignment during pregnancy and one month after childbirth.MethodsThis is a prospective, longitudinal cohort study. Pelvic measurements were obtained for 201 women at 12, 24, 30, and 36 weeks of pregnancy, and 1 month after childbirth. The anterior and posterior width of the pelvis (the distance between the bilateral anterior superior iliac spines and the bilateral posterior superior iliac spines), the anterior pelvic tilt, and pelvic asymmetry (the mean left and right pelvic tilt degrees and the bilateral difference of the anterior pelvic tilt) were measured. For the change in pelvic alignment, a Friedman test was conducted to determine any significant difference in the measurements over time.ResultsThe anterior and posterior width of the pelvis became significantly wider with pregnancy progress and the anterior width of the pelvis at 1 month after childbirth remained wider than that at 12 weeks of pregnancy (p < 0.001). The anterior pelvic tilt increased during pregnancy and decreased after childbirth (p < 0.05).ConclusionSome changes in pelvic alignment occur continuously during the perinatal period. Changes in the anterior width of the pelvis are not recovered at one month post-childbirth. Understanding these perinatal changes may help clinicians avert complications due to pelvic misalignment.
Highlights
During pregnancy and after childbirth, significant changes occur to women’s bodies
Proper function of the pelvic bones can be disturbed by alignment changes that occur during pregnancy
The results demonstrated that both the anterior and posterior width of the Pelvic alignment changes during the perinatal period pelvis become significantly wider with pregnancy progress
Summary
During pregnancy and after childbirth, significant changes occur to women’s bodies. Swelling of the abdomen with fetal growth and weight gain around the uterus and in the whole body are major examples [1]. A primary function of the pelvic bones is to transfer loads generated by body weight and gravity during activities of daily living [4]. This function is even more important during pregnancy because body weight increases over 10 kg in 40 weeks [5]. This important function requires that the pelvic bones are in a balanced position. The function of the pelvic bones is to transfer load generated by body weight. Proper function of the pelvic bones can be disturbed by alignment changes that occur during pregnancy. An understanding of the timing and nature of pelvic alignment changes during pregnancy may aid in preventing and treating these complications
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