Which condition is characterized by a swayback posture often seen in late pregnancy?

The condition characterized by a swayback posture, particularly noticeable in late pregnancy, is indeed lordosis. This postural change occurs as the body's center of gravity shifts due to the growing uterus, leading to an increased lumbar curve. In this context, lordosis refers specifically to the exaggeration of the natural curvature of the lumbar spine, creating that swayback appearance.

During pregnancy, this adjustment helps to accommodate the weight of the fetus and maintain balance. As the uterus expands, it affects the biomechanics of the spine, resulting in this characteristic posture. Understanding this condition is crucial for midwives as they monitor and support the physical changes their clients experience throughout pregnancy.

The other conditions mentioned have distinct characteristics and do not specifically relate to the swayback posture seen in late pregnancy. Kyphosis involves an exaggerated thoracic curvature, scoliosis is a lateral spinal curvature, and spondylosis refers to degenerative changes in the spine.