Factors associated with back pain symptoms in pregnancy and the persistence of pain 2 years after pregnancy.

摘要

Many pregnant women report back pain; estimates range from approximately 20% to more than 50%. Back pain also is reported in 30% to 45% of women in the postpartum period. This prospective observational study, conducted in a low obstetric risk Chinese population, sought to document the prevalence of back pain during pregnancy and in the first 2 postpartum years. Compared with Western populations, Chinese women are generally shorter and have a lower body mass index. Participants completed a structured questionnaire in the third trimester, shortly after delivery, and after 2 years in women reporting back pain in the first survey. Of 326 women recruited into the study, 250 (76%) reported having at least one significant episode of back pain while pregnant. Demographic patterns were similar to those in women who were free of back pain. A majority of episodes were mild and intermittent. Only 40% of those affected sought specific treatment. Fewer than half of the women with low back pain described sciatica. Women who had back pain were likelier to have a history of back pain while not pregnant or in previous pregnancies. No major differences in the nature of work were found, but more women with back pain had to concentrate constantly and experienced anxiety when working. Major pregnancy outcomes were comparable in women with and those without back pain. Of 189 women with pain in the index pregnancy, 21% reported persistent back pain. No major predictors were discovered, but women with persistent pain had experienced symptoms earlier in the index pregnancy and recalled having back pain much more often in previous pregnancies or when not pregnant. In addition, women with persistent pain had gained more weight 2 years after delivery. Pregnant women with low back pain still are managed supportively. Controlling body weight after delivery might lower the risk that pain will continue after the postpartum period.