Ergonomics and Pregnancy

When taking a history of a patient I always ask about social history, their lifestyle, family life and job situation. Now you may think this is just chit-chat, while others conclude that I am just plain nosy. But in actual fact the answers to these questions can tell me a lot about the patient’s health.

Ergonomics in its simplest sense is making sure that the things you work with do not cause you harm. Ergonomics is very important for those that are not pregnant, and this is multiplied during pregnancy due to the quick postural changes seen over a pregnancy. If you are in a office job all day it is important to stretch regularly, get up from your desk and take a quick walk.

Ensuring the height of the chair is correct is also important, and the knee bend should be at 90 degrees with a foot stool to support your feet if you are on the shorter side. You should also sit at a 90 degree angle at the hips. Lumbar support for the lower back is also important, and this can be achieved with a small pillow. Your wrists should be straight when typing. The vision distance should be 18-24 inches, positioned at eye level.

If you want to start a new trend in the office you could even bring your gym ball along and switch between your chair and gym ball, this is a great exercise just by sitting on it and you probably won’t even realise it.

Whether you are in a class room, office or factory, most jobs require carrying of equipment (or children). Posture here is very important, ensuring the object is not too heavy. Don’t bend your back but rather bend your knees down towards what you are picking up, holding it close to you at mid level.

Remember if you think the object is too heavy to carry, don’t carry it, get someone to help you or get someone to carry it for you.

I have always liked a tidy home but a reorganisation of the work place can also be important too. Ensuring regular objects are placed at waist height and not on the top or bottom shelf is really important.

Repetitive movements are also a good thing to avoid, like constantly clicking a computer mouse. However, if it cannot be avoided it should be performed in the best way possible, in this case with your wrist in a horizontal position.