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Pregnancy induced low back pain (PLBP) is a common complaint and is estimated to be prevalent in at least half of pregnant women, with some studies stating it as high as 90%. Although it frequently begins between the 4th to 7th months of gestation, it can occur earlier or later.
Pregnancy Induced Back pain (PLBP) and Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP).
PLBP, which is usually described as a dull aching pain at the lower back above the buttocks, should not be confused with pelvic girdle pain (PGP). PGP is a more intense pain that is described as stabbing, aching or shooting across the buttock area that may spread around the hips to the front or to behind the thigh. Some women may experience both PLBP and PGP at the same time.
Are you predisposed to back pain during pregnancy?
If you are experiencing PLBP now, it might be because you had pelvic trauma in the past or are used to experiencing LBP during menstruation. 85% of women who experience PLBP will experience it again in a future pregnancy. PLBP is not related to height, weight, age, time since last pregnancy or previous usage of contraceptive pill. A quarter of women will continue to have LBP even after pregnancy though majority will subside within the first 3 months.
However, a research showed a small portion of these women continued to have LBP aggravated by exercise or housework 3 years post delivery. The circumstances that cause the continuation of LBP after delivery include high weight gain during pregnancy and subsequently lack of weight lost post delivery.
A study by To W. and Wong M. showed women who had higher levels of pain earlier on in the pregnancy were more likely to continue having back pains 2 years post delivery. Mode of delivery and epidural anesthesia did not affect the outcome.
Sources:
Vermani, E. et al. (2010) Pelvic Girdle Pain and Low Back Pain During Pregnancy : A Review. Pain Practice. 10(1). Pg 60 -71
Noren, L. et al. 2001. Lumbar back and posterior pelvic pain during pregnancy: a 3-year follow-up. European Spine Journal. 11(3). Pg 267-271.
To, W.W. and Wong, M.V. (2003) Factors associated with back pain symptoms in pregnancy and the persistence of pain 2 years after pregnancy. Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica. 82(12). Pg.1086-1091.
