Comparison of Peak Expiratory Flow Rate in Different Body Positions among Pregnant Women

Background: A vast amount of physical and physiological changes occurs during pregnancy in various systems of the body. Dyspnea is a common problem among the pregnant women due to growing size of fetus and alteration in respiratory system. also in normal and uncomplicated pregnancy as many as 60 % to 70 % of women experience sensation of Dyspnea as major discomfort. Clinically PEFR can be used to assess the lung function and can be taken as index for lung function. Various studies state that different body position influence PEFR value. hence this study is intended to compare the PEFR in different relaxation position among pregnant women in 2nd trimester. Objectives: To compare PEFR values obtained during the different relaxation position in pregnant women in 2nd trimester and to find optimal position in which maximal expiration is possible in pregnant women in 2nd trimester. Method: 72 subjects participated in the study after scrutinizing for inclusion and exclusion criteria, with GA of 14 to 27 weeks. Patients were asked to assume different relaxation position and PEFR was measured value were taken for statistical analysis. P value was less than0.05. Results: The mean PEFR values are as follows: high side lying was 312.50+27.87. Relaxed sitting was 340.14+27.03. Relaxed standing was 352.36+26.82. Forward lean sitting was 364.44+25.22. Forward lean standing was 379.44+29.25. when mean difference in scores of PEFR between different body positions forward lean standing has was found to have max PEFR value followed by forward lean sitting, relaxed standing, relaxed sitting and high side lying Conclusion: Upright postures were better than recumbent position among upright posture, forward lean standing and sitting was found tohave higher value when compared to relaxed sitting and standing which was due to fixation of upper extremity. Thus these position can be encouraged more to relieve the discomfort of Dyspnea.