Pelvic girdle pain in pregnancy: the impact on function
Hilde Stendal Robinson1, Anne Eskild, Eli Heiberg
1Section for Health Science, University of Oslo, PO. Box 1153, Blindern, N-0318 Oslo, Norway. h.s.robinson@medisin.uio.no
Acta Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica
|March 15, 2006
Summary
Pelvic girdle pain affects nearly half of pregnant women, significantly impacting daily function and sleep. Severe pain, like complete pelvic girdle syndrome, strongly correlates with crutch use and frequent nighttime awakenings.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Musculoskeletal Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Pelvic girdle pain (PGP) is a common complaint during pregnancy.
- Understanding the prevalence and impact of PGP based on pain location is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of self-reported pelvic girdle pain in pregnancy.
- To investigate the impact of PGP on functional limitations, crutch usage, and sleep disturbances.
- To analyze these impacts based on the specific location of pelvic pain.
Main Methods:
- A population-based questionnaire study was conducted in Norway.
- 1,817 women aged 18-40 with prior deliveries were surveyed.
- Pelvic girdle pain was categorized by location: anterior, posterior, unilateral, bilateral (complete pelvic girdle syndrome), or unspecified.
Main Results:
- 46% of pregnant women reported pelvic girdle pain.
- Pain locations included anterior pelvis only (19%), posterior pelvis only (14%), anterior and unilateral posterior (4%), and complete pelvic girdle syndrome (5%).
- 7% used crutches, and 15% experienced frequent nighttime awakenings due to pain. Complete pelvic girdle syndrome showed a strong association with crutch use (aOR 4.3) and nighttime awakenings (aOR 4.6).
Conclusions:
- Pelvic girdle pain is highly prevalent in pregnant women in Norway.
- PGP can lead to significant functional impairments, including mobility issues and sleep disruption.
- Specific pain patterns, such as complete pelvic girdle syndrome, are associated with more severe functional consequences.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Appendicitis-I: Introduction
The appendix, a small, narrow, blind tube extending from the inferior part of the cecum, is widely regarded as a vestigial organ, having lost much of its original function through evolution. Despite its diminished role, the appendix can become inflamed, a condition known as appendicitis.
Etiology: Appendicitis can arise from various causes, primarily rooted in the obstruction of the appendix lumen. Factors contributing to this obstruction include fecal accumulation, lymphoid hyperplasia and, in...
Etiology: Appendicitis can arise from various causes, primarily rooted in the obstruction of the appendix lumen. Factors contributing to this obstruction include fecal accumulation, lymphoid hyperplasia and, in...
01:19Abdominal Regions and Quadrants
To promote clear communication, for instance, about the location of a patient's abdominal pain or a suspicious mass, anatomists and clinicians typically use imaginary lines to categorize the abdominopelvic cavity into either four quadrants or nine regions to identify organs in the cavity.
The simpler quadrants approach, which is more commonly used in medicine, subdivides the cavity with one horizontal and one vertical line that intersects at the patient's umbilicus (navel). The four quadrants...
The simpler quadrants approach, which is more commonly used in medicine, subdivides the cavity with one horizontal and one vertical line that intersects at the patient's umbilicus (navel). The four quadrants...
01:07Teratogenicity
The ability of a drug to produce structural deformations and functional abnormalities in the developing embryo or the fetus is called teratogenicity, and the drug producing this effect is known as a teratogen. Teratogenic effects include stillbirth, miscarriage, intrauterine growth restriction, and neurocognitive delay. A teratogen may affect the embryo at different stages of development, which is important in determining the type and extent of the damage. During blastocyst formation, the early...
01:26Muscles of the Pelvic Floor and Perineum
The muscles of the pelvic floor and perineum are crucial for supporting the pelvic organs, controlling continence, and aiding in sexual function, childbirth, and core stability. They are typically divided into the superficial perineal layer and the deep pelvic floor layer.
Perineal Layer
The perineum is a diamond-shaped area below the pelvic diaphragm, divided into an anterior urogenital triangle that contains the external genitals and a posterior anal triangle housing the anus. The urogenital...
Perineal Layer
The perineum is a diamond-shaped area below the pelvic diaphragm, divided into an anterior urogenital triangle that contains the external genitals and a posterior anal triangle housing the anus. The urogenital...
01:24Disorders of the Female Reproductive System
The female reproductive system can be affected by several disorders, including Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), endometriosis, and various forms of cancer. PMS and PMDD are cyclical conditions that cause physical and emotional distress, with symptoms that include edema, mood swings, and food cravings. PMDD is a more severe form of PMS characterized by increased symptom severity that peaks during the luteal phase and tends to improve or resolve shortly after...
01:19Mitral Valve Prolapse III: Nursing Management
The nursing management of Mitral Valve Prolapse, or MVP, centers around patient education, symptom monitoring, and lifestyle modifications.Patient Education on MVP Diagnosis and Heredity: Nurses should provide comprehensive education about MVP, a condition where the mitral valve does not close appropriately during heartbeats. This education often includes the condition's pathophysiology, symptoms, and potential complications, like arrhythmias or mitral regurgitation. Though not fully...