Perceived health six months after delivery in women who have experienced low back pain and pelvic pain during pregnancy.
OBJECTIVE
A majority of women suffer from low back pain and pelvic pain (LBPP) during pregnancy. The aim of the study was to investigate perceived health, sexual life, social situation, sick leave and use of medical services 6 months after pregnancy in women with LBPP during pregnancy.


METHODS
In a previous questionnaire study, 72% (n = 639) of the respondents had reported LBPP during pregnancy. These respondents were sent a second questionnaire approximately 6 months after delivery. The respondents were divided into three groups: 'no pain', 'recurrent pain' and 'continuous pain'. Pearson's chi-squared test was used to test the difference between groups.


RESULTS
Perceived health status 6 months after pregnancy was less favourable for women with persistent LBPP compared to women with remission of LBPP. Family situation, change of relationship and sexual life did not differ among women with remission of LBPP or persistent LBPP after pregnancy. Four of 10 women with persistent LBPP had sought medical care, and two of 10 had been on sick leave because of LBPP after pregnancy.


CONCLUSIONS
Perceived health status was less favourable for women with persistent LBPP after pregnancy. Use of medical services among women with persistent LBPP was prevalent.
Department of Clinical Science, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Umeå University Hospital, Umeå, Sweden. ingrid.mogren@obgyn.umu.se
Ingrid
I
Mogren
D000041:Absenteeism; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001294:Attitude to Health; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006296:Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology*; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D017699:Pelvic Pain / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology*; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology*; D011644:Puerperal Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology*; D012008:Recurrence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013548:Sweden / Q000453:epidemiology