Postural changes and pain level in mother with lap babies: an transversal study

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The gestational period is characterized as a time of great physiological events, as well as the puerperal period, which brings with it great physical and psychological changes. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of postural changes and pain level in mothers with babies in arms. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional research, descriptive and quantitative approach, which was developed with mothers who participated in the monitoring of childcare and breastfeeding during November 2018 at a frequency of three times a week. For data collection, a sociodemographic form was used to collect some personal information; the Postural Assessment Instrument (IAP) the Visual Analog Pain Scale (VAS). Categorical data were presented using simple and absolute frequencies, followed by the use of Pearson's chi-square test (?²) for the association between the level of pain and the dependent variables. RESULTS: The age of the mothers remained between 18 and 35 years old, with a complete level of education, and most of them had no occupational activity. It was observed that, although the study did not show a significant association between postural habits and the level of pain, this symptom was present in 73.5% of women and prevailed in levels from moderate (n=26) to severe (n=24), keeping a discreet relationship with some types of deviations. The most prevalent postural change was lumbar hyperlordosis (69.1%). CONCLUSION: it was possible to see that pain and postural deviations are present in women with babies in arms, and it is necessary to think of interventions with this focus for this group.