Overview
A large proportion of pregnant women develop pregnancy-related low back and/or pelvic girdle pain (PPGP), which often does not recover spontaneously postpartum. As a result, 10% of women with PPGP still reports complaints a decade after delivery. The prevention and treatment of PPGP are thus crucial. However, the underlying mechanisms of PPGP are still poorly understood. The main objective of this study is to investigate whether lumbar proprioceptive deficits, a disturbed body perception at the lumbar spine and psychosocial factors (incl. pain-related fear of movement, depression, anxiety and stress) are associated with (1) a reduced postural control and (2) the development and/or persistence of PPGP in multiparous women during the first and third trimester of pregnancy, and six weeks and six months postpartum.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Singleton pregnancy
- Pregnant of second child or more than second child
- No current PPGP or did not have PPGP during current pregnancy
- Willing to provide written informed consent
Exclusion Criteria:
- Pregnant for more than 14 weeks
- Having current PPGP or having had PPGP during the current pregnancy
- History of surgery/major trauma to spine, pelvis and/or lower limbs,
- Specific balance or vestibular disorders
- Spinal deformities
- Rheumatic disease
- Neurological abnormalities (e
- Hyperemesis gravidarum
- Acute ankle problems
- Pre-existing disorders that could interfere with the course of pregnancy (e.g., hypertension, kidney disease, coagulation disorders)
- (A history of) psychiatric disorders
- Non-Dutch speaking