Open AccessPregnancy‐related pelvic girdle pain in the Netherlands
Author(s) -
VAN DE POL GEERTE,
VAN BRUMMEN H. JORIEN,
BRUINSE HEIN W.,
HEINTZ A. PETER M.,
VAN DER VAART C. HUUB
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
acta obstetricia et gynecologica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.401
H-Index - 102
eISSN - 1600-0412
pISSN - 0001-6349
DOI - 10.1080/00016340601151683
Subject(s) - medicine , pelvic girdle , pregnancy , pelvic pain , obstetrics , physical therapy , surgery , biology , genetics
Objective. In this longitudinal cohort study, we assessed the prevalence, associated delivery‐related and psychosocial factors and consequences of self‐reported pelvic girdle pain during and after pregnancy in the Netherlands. Methods . A total of 412 women, expecting their first child, answered questionnaires regarding back and pelvic girdle pain, habits, and biomedical, sociodemographic and psychosocial factors, at 12 and 36 weeks gestation, and 3 and 12 months after delivery. In addition, birth records were obtained. Possible associations were studied using non‐parametric tests. Results . The prevalence of self‐reported pelvic girdle pain was at its peak in late pregnancy (7.3%). One out of 7 women suffering from pelvic girdle pain at 36 weeks gestation, and almost half of the women suffering from pelvic girdle pain 3 months after delivery, continued to report symptoms 1 year after delivery. Women reporting pelvic girdle pain are less mobile than women without pain or women with back pain only, and more frequently have to use a wheelchair or crutches. No association was found between obstetric factors and pelvic girdle pain. Women with pelvic girdle pain report more co‐morbidity and depressive symptoms. Recommendations. Normal obstetric procedures can be followed in women reporting pregnancy‐related pelvic girdle pain. Prognosis is generally good, however, women reporting pelvic girdle pain 3 months after delivery need extra consideration. Attention needs to be given to psychosocial factors, in particular depressive symptoms.