Effect of pregnancy on anthropometrics, comfort, and functional performance for women living with transfemoral limb loss: Case report

Abstract

Women living with limb loss (amputees) have unique needs that increase during pregnancy. Comfort, pain, and activity are exponentially compromised. Changes in mass and altered center of gravity increase the likelihood of falls and compromise safety for the mother and unborn baby. Subjective and physical functional performance measures data was collected through 2 separate pregnancies on a 36-year-old woman with a right transfemoral amputation. Physiological changes during pregnancy effected comfort, pain, and functional performance. Clinical practice guidelines for prosthetic management should be established to include protocols such as adjustment schedules, specialized socket design, and necessary component changes throughout the course of pregnancy.