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Back pain during pregnancy: a prospective study
P Kristiansson1, K Svärdsudd, B von Schoultz
1Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Uppsala University, Sweden.
Spine
|March 15, 1996
Summary
Pregnancy-related back pain is common, affecting 76% of women, and often starts early, increasing with duration. This pain significantly impacts daily activities and work, suggesting a distinct origin from non-pregnancy-related back pain.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Musculoskeletal Health
- Pain Management
Background:
- Back pain is a frequent clinical issue during pregnancy, with unclear origins.
- Early onset and increasing prevalence are noted even in early pregnancy stages.
Purpose of the Study:
- To delineate the natural history of back pain during pregnancy and the immediate postpartum period.
- To identify prevalence, onset, and influencing factors of pregnancy-associated back pain.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal, prospective, observational cohort study.
- Followed 200 pregnant women from antenatal clinic through delivery using questionnaires and physical examinations.
- Assessed back pain, disability, and sickness benefits.
Main Results:
- 76% of women experienced back pain during pregnancy; 61% reported new onset during the study pregnancy.
- Prevalence rose to 48% by 24 weeks, stabilizing before declining to 9.4% postpartum.
- Pain intensity correlated with duration, disability, and sickness absence; younger women reported more pain.
Conclusions:
- Pregnancy-related back pain is highly prevalent and often severe, impacting daily function.
- Onset early in pregnancy and increasing over time suggests a unique etiology compared to non-pregnancy-related back pain.
- Younger women experience greater pain intensity and disability.