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Maternal posture-physiology interactions in human pregnancy: a narrative review
Allan J Kember1,2, Jennifer L Anderson3, Natalyn E Gorazd4
1Temerty Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
Frontiers in Physiology
|August 5, 2024
Summary
Maternal posture significantly impacts pregnancy physiology and pathophysiology. Understanding these interactions is crucial for improving maternal health and wellness during and after pregnancy.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Pathophysiology
- Pregnancy Studies
Background:
- Posture and gravity are known to influence medical conditions, notably during pregnancy.
- Maternal posture and its physiological effects during pregnancy require comprehensive understanding.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of the interactions between maternal posture and maternal physiology and pathophysiology at rest during pregnancy.
- To identify research gaps and clinical implications of maternal posture during pregnancy.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of the MEDLINE database.
- Inclusion of 644 studies published between 1991 and 2021.
- Narrative review of the literature, organized by organ system (neurological to skin).
Main Results:
- Detailed examination of the circulatory system's response to postural changes, including heart rate, blood pressure, and conditions like hypertension in pregnancy.
- Discussion of other affected organ systems: respiratory, renal, genitourinary, gastrointestinal, abdominal, and endocrine.
- Identification of discrepancies and research gaps in the existing literature.
Conclusions:
- Maternal posture-physiology interactions are complex and clinically relevant.
- Further research is needed to fully understand and leverage these interactions for improved maternal healthcare.
- This review highlights the importance of considering posture in maternal health and wellness strategies.
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