Physical exercise and pelvic girdle pain in pregnancy: A nested case-control study within the Danish National Birth Cohort
View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.Regular physical exercise during pregnancy may reduce the risk of developing pelvic girdle pain. Increased exercise duration and activities like swimming show a protective effect against this common pregnancy discomfort.
Area Of Science
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Public Health
- Sports Medicine
Background
- Pelvic girdle pain (PGP) is a significant cause of sick leave among pregnant women in Denmark.
- Preventive strategies for PGP are not well-established, highlighting a need for further research.
Purpose Of The Study
- To investigate the association between engaging in physical exercise during pregnancy and the occurrence of PGP.
- To determine if the amount and type of physical activity influence PGP risk.
Main Methods
- A nested case-control study was conducted within the large Danish National Birth Cohort (n=5304).
- Data on PGP were collected via self-report six months postpartum.
- Information on physical exercise habits was gathered around gestational week 16.
- Logistic regression analysis was employed to assess the association.
Main Results
- Physical exercise during pregnancy was significantly associated with a reduced risk of overall PGP (OR=0.87; 95% CI: 0.77-0.99).
- A clear trend showed decreasing odds of PGP with increased weekly exercise hours (p<0.001).
- Swimming specifically demonstrated a protective effect, lowering the risk of PGP compared to no exercise (OR=0.73; 95% CI: 0.58-0.91).
Conclusions
- Physical exercise during pregnancy appears to offer a protective effect against pelvic girdle pain.
- Encouraging regular physical activity, including swimming, may be a viable strategy for PGP prevention in pregnant women.