Pregnancy-related lumbopelvic pain: prevalence, risk factors, and profile in Kuwait

To determine prevalence and risk factors of pregnancy-related lumbopelvic pain (PRLPP) in women in Kuwait.

The study was designed as a multisite, cross-sectional design in which self-administered surveys were distributed. Setting and Participants.  Public locations and health care facilities in Kuwait. Pregnant women (400) were invited to participate.

Demographics, history of PRLPP, risk factors for PRLPP, location of pain, absenteeism due to LPP, management of previous LPP, and functional disability due to PRLPP.

Two hundred eighty questionnaires were returned. Mean age was 29.5 years; mean body mass index (BMI) was 29.69 kg/m(2) . Of the participants, 91% reported LPP, 78.8% reported history of menstrual pain, and 58.7% reported previous LPP, and 59% reported PRLPP during previous pregnancies, 42.8% reported activities of daily living were limited. Risk factors included a history of back pain (P = 0.00), PRLPP in a previous pregnancy (P = 0.01), and being in the third trimester of pregnancy (P = 0.02). BMI was not associated with PRLPP.

Clinicians in Kuwait need to screen for risk factors and detect PRLPP early and intervene as needed. Although overweight and obesity may not contribute largely to PRLPP in women in Kuwait, weight control is a major concern for healthy pregnancy. Physical therapy has a role in preventing and addressing this condition.