الفهرس | Only 14 pages are availabe for public view |
Abstract Pregnancy and childbirth are major ontributory factors to many changes occurring in the body, owing to hormonal changes, weight gain and subsequent postural alterations as increased lumbar lo rdosis, thoracic kyphosis and flattening of thoraco-lumbar spinal curve. Altered levels of relaxi n hormone, estrogen and proge sterone during pregnancy affects collagen metabolism wh ich in turn leads to laxity of ligamentous tissues and reduction of passive joint stability. This laxity may persist 6 month postpartum. Fluid retention leads to nerve co mpression syndromes as; carpel tunnel syndrome, meralagia parasthe tica and Bell’s palsy. These entrapments usually resolve normally postpartum. As for physiotherapy, ultrasound may be considered at sites away from the uterus, shortwave or microwave diathermy should not be applied to low back, abdominal or pelvic regions of pregnant woman because of their thermal effect on the foetus. TENS can not be used during pregnancy for musculoskeletal pain for fear of itsthermal effect. |