Body mechanics during daily tasks to reduce back pain in women who are pregnant

Abstract

Although pregnancy is a temporary condition, the prevalence of back pain has been estimated to be approximately 49–50% and pain may continue post partum. Often women have to limit or curtail daily living activities because of the pain. The purpose of this paper is to describe physical changes that occur during pregnancy and discuss positioning and body mechanics to prevent or reduce back pain during performance of self-care, homemaking and vocational activities. Suggested guidelines for continuation of various physical job demands and safety based on the American College of Obstreticians and Gynecologists are described.