Peri-Partum Pelvic Pain

Between 50% to 80% of all pregnant women will experience pain in the pelvic region and lower back sometime during their pregnancy. This Peri-Partum Pelvic Pain (PPPP)this pain is most prevalent in the fifth and sixth month of pregnancy, but can begin as early as eight to twelve weeks into pregnancy. Several studies also reported the evening hours seem to be the most difficult.

Approximately 67% of pregnant women suffer from night discomfort or backache. While 36% have night backache so severe it wakes them from sleep. Women with history of low back pain are at higher risk for recurrence, and their back pain can occur earlier into the pregnancy.

Generally, peri-partum pelvic pain presents in the following areas:

  • Lumbosacral joints (low back pain)
  • Sacroiliac joints (posterior pelvic pain)
  • Coccyx (pain in tailbone)
  • Symphysis Pubis (pain in the front of the pubis)
  • Groin area



PPPP tends to be influenced by posture and is associated with a waddling gait. Approximately 80% of these back pains are usually localized, but occasionally may vary. PPPP tend to increase in intensity towards the end of the 3rd trimesters and typically resolve 6 months after delivery.

There are 3 types of peripartum pelvic pain generally:






References

  • Berg G, Hammar M, Moller-Nielsen J, Linden U, Thorblad J. Low back pain during pregnancy. Obstet Gynecol. 1988; 71:71-75.
  • Fast A, Shapiro D, Ducommun EJ, Friedmann LW, Bouklas T, Floman Y. Low-back pain in pregnancy. Spine. 1987; 12:368-371.
  • Fast A, Weiss L, Parikh S, Hertz G. Night backache in pregnancy. Hypothetical pathophysiological mechanisms. Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 1989; 68:227-229.
  • Jain S, Eedarapalli P, Jamjute P, Sawdy R. : pubis : a practical approach to management. The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist 2006;8:153-158
  • Mantle MJ, Greenwood RM, Currey HL. Backache in pregnancy. Rheumatol Rehabil. 1977; 16:95-101.
  • Svensson HO, Andersson GB, Hagstad A, Jansson PO. The relationship of low-back pain to pregnancy and gynecologic factors. Spine. 1990; 15:371-375.
  • Wergeland E, Strand K. Work pace control and pregnancy health in a population-based sample of employed women in Norway. Scand J Work Environ Health. 1998; 24:206-212.
contact agent