The association between pelvic girdle pain and pelvic floor muscle function in pregnancy
Colleen M Fitzgerald1, Trudy Mallinson
1Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, RIC Women's Health Rehabilitation Program, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, 345 E. Superior St., #1134, Chicago, IL 60611, USA. cfitzgerald@ric.org
Introduction And Hypothesis:
The aim of this study is to determine pelvic floor muscle (PFM) function in second trimester women with and without pelvic girdle pain (PGP).
Methods:
Fifty-five pregnant women with and without PGP were recruited in the second trimester who met inclusion for self-reported pain. Vaginal examination was performed assessing superficial and deep PFM tenderness, contract/relax patterns, and muscle strength.
Results:
Fifty-one patients (26 with PGP and 25 without) were included in the final analyses. Significantly more patients in the PGP group had bilateral levator ani and obturator internus tenderness compared with the no pain group (Fisher's exact test (FET) P < 0.001). No other significant group differences were found.
Conclusion:
There is an association between PGP and deep but not superficial PFM tenderness in pregnancy. Lack of accompanying PFM dysfunction in PGP during pregnancy may reflect pain duration.
Related Concept Videos
Muscles of the Pelvic Floor and Perineum
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...
Appendicitis-I: Introduction
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...
Abdominal Regions and 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...
Mitral Valve Prolapse III: Nursing Management
Disorders of the Female Reproductive System
Pathophysiology of Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility, suggesting a...

