Correlation of the morphology of pregnant women with factors related to pregnancy and childbirth: A pilot study

Introduction: Pregnancy involves restructuring and readjustment at several levels. The alterations in the reproductive system are supported by morpho-functional adaptations with repercussions at a muscular and osteo-articular level, allowing a progressive and optimal adjustment. The wealth and diversity of data acquired, as well as the small number of references, demonstrate the relevance of this study. Our objective is to describe and correlate aspects related to the morphology of women with childbirth and pregnancy factors. Methods: We measured 41 pregnant women, aged between 14 and 39 years, and obtained the length of the following points of reference: Posterior to the calcaneum, Anterior to the calcaneum, Spine deviations, Foot size, Anterior curvature of the spine, Asymmetry of the scapular girdle, Higher shoulder and Dominant hand. We also collected profession, type of childbirth, duration of birth labour, weight and height of the child at birth. Results: From a first investigation we found that: only 5 were employed, 9 were African and the rest Caucasian, 40 had only one childbirth and the majority were on their 36^th and 37^th weeks of gestation. Using parametric tests we discovered a positive correlation between the following variables: "Posterior to the calcaneum" and "Spine deviations", "Asymmetry of the pelvic girdle" and "Dominant hand", "Posterior to the calcaneum" and "Asymmetry of the pelvic girdle", "Spine deviations" and "Asymmetry of the pelvic girdle", "Anterior curvature of the spine" and "Anterior to the calcaneum", "Leg length" and "Foot size", "Type of childbirth" and "Foot size". We also found a negative correlation between: "Anterior to the calcaneum" and "Posterior to the calcaneum", "Anterior to the calcaneum" and "Spine deviations", "Anterior to the calcaneum" and "Asymmetry of the pelvic girdle". Discussion / Conclusions: The changes in posture are necessary during pregnancy to maintain equilibrium [1]. They result in a morpho-functional compensation [2]. Posture studies have been performed with pregnant women, however there is a gap in the evaluation of other aspects related to the woman and childbirth. From our small sample we conclude that there are factors in the morphology of women that are correlated with each other and with childbirth.