Severity of signs and symptoms in lumbopelvic pain during pregnancy

Data on the severity of signs and symptoms of lumbopelvic pain (LPP) during pregnancy are scarce. Therefore, this cross-sectional study examines the severity of LPP and pain-related signs and symptoms. Women with an uncomplicated pregnancy of 20-30 weeks were invited to participate. They rated their pain and fatigue on a numerical rating scale, and pain location was indicated on a drawing. Disability was scored on the Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale (QBPDS) and urine incontinence on a Likert scale. Physical examination consisted of the Active Straight Leg Raise (ASLR) test, the Posterior Pelvic Pain Provocation (PPPP) test and pain score, and force during isometric bilateral hip adduction. Of all 182 participants, 60.4% reported LPP. Mean pain level was 3.6 (SD 2.2); in 20.0% of the women the score was >5. The mean score on the QBPDS was 27 (SD 16); in 20.9% the score was >40. Compared to women without LPP, women with LPP more frequently suffered back pain in the past (p<0.001), had a higher body mass index (p<0.01), more often had urinary incontinence (p<0.05), had less isometric hip adduction force (p<0.001), had more pain on isometric hip adduction (p<0.01), had a higher ASLR score (p<0.001) and more had often a positive PPPP test (p<0.001). Fatigue was not related to LPP during pregnancy. The main conclusion is that pain and disability of LPP during pregnancy can be interpreted as mild to moderate in most cases, and as severe in about 20%.