Computer related injuries and pregnancy

The Effect of Pregnancy on RSI Author: Dr Deepak SharanBangalore, The Times of India, December 25th, 2004
It is well recognised that pregnancy increases the risk for development of Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI) and aggravates existing RSI's.
Several factors make women more susceptible to RSI during pregnancy:
Increase in body weight.
Changes in body weight distribution.
Weakness of abdominal muscles.
Altered connective tissue function, e.g., increased joint laxity, perhaps due to release of relaxin and other hormones.
Differences in the fit between body and workplace dimensions, e.g., pregnant women sit further away from work surfaces, hips are positioned further backwards, with increased compensatory trunk flexion, and arm flexion.
Lifting capacity is altered towards the end of pregnancy as the center of gravity moves forward and as increased body size prevents objects from being lifted close to the body. Pregnant women are at increased risk for low back injury during heavy lifting, standing and frequent climbing of stairs.
Carpal tunnel syndrome, a compressive neuropathy of the Median nerve in the wrist, is frequently associated with pregnancy, perhaps due to excessive fluid retention in the carpal tunnel. Fortunately, the nerve compression is usually reversible and improves after delivery.
After the birth of the child, a flare up of RSI symptoms can commonly happen due to several factors, including the physical strain of carrying and feeding the baby, disturbed sleep, distorted sleeping postures, and psychosocial factors (stress).
Regular stretching and strengthening exercises, yoga, and relaxation positions are necessary to prevent worsening of symptoms. It is essential to provide pregnant women (in particular) with adjustable work surface height or adjustable trays for the keyboard and mouse to reduce postural strain. Also, there may be a case for a slightly more prolonged maternity leave for IT/ITES women professionals already afflicted with RSI, to allow for prolonged soft tissue healing.
(The writer is HOD, Paediatric Orthopaedics & Rehabilitation, Bangalore Children's Hospital, and a leading expert on RSI. Email: deepak@deepaksharan.com)