Pelvic girdle pain and low back pain in pregnancy: a review

Pain Pract. 2010 Jan-Feb;10(1):60-71. doi: 10.1111/j.1533-2500.2009.00327.x. Epub 2010 Oct 26.

Abstract

Pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain (PGP) and pregnancy-related low back pain (PLBP) are common problems with significant physical, psychological, and socioeconomic implications. There are several management options that are underutilized because of lack of comprehensive knowledge by health-care professionals and fear of harmful effects of treatment on the developing fetus. Interventions such as patient education, the use of pelvic belts, acupuncture, and aquatic and tailored postpartum exercises can be of some benefit to these patients. This article will focus on the diagnosis and management of PGP and PLBP, with discussion of terminology, epidemiology, risk factors, pathophysiology, and prognosis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Low Back Pain / diagnosis*
  • Low Back Pain / physiopathology
  • Low Back Pain / therapy*
  • Pelvic Pain / diagnosis*
  • Pelvic Pain / physiopathology
  • Pelvic Pain / therapy*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications / diagnosis*
  • Pregnancy Complications / physiopathology
  • Pregnancy Complications / therapy*
  • Risk Factors