Balance Changes During Pregnancy — Infographic Text Captioning

Headline:

Falls during pregnancy, often caused by changes in balance, are a leading cause of gestational injury and fetal death. These falls are linked to increased risks of:

Musculoskeletal injury

Cesarean delivery

Premature labor

Key Issue:

The interactions between physical, physiological, and neurological changes during pregnancy are still not fully understood.

Research Approach:

The WSU Gait and Posture Biometrics Lab uses:

Body sensors

Cameras with infrared lights

These tools detect motion changes down to a fraction of a millimeter, helping researchers understand balance changes during pregnancy.

Goal:

Develop an individualized fall risk assessment tool to help keep pregnant patients healthy and safe.

Body Changes Impacting Balance:

Neck: Vertebrae angle forward

Shoulders: Protract (move forward)

Spine & Pelvis: Increased lumbar curvature; pelvis tilts forward

Knees: Hyperextend backward

Feet:

Arch height flattens

Forefoot pressure increases when standing

Sources: PhysioPedia and WSU Gait and Posture Biomechanics Lab

Note: This was presented as a WSM staff infographic.