Objective. To investigate the prevalence and nature of lumbo-pelvic pain (LPP), that is experienced by women in the lumbar and/or\r\nsacro-iliac area and/or symphysis pubis during pregnancy. Design. Cross-sectional, descriptive study. Setting. An Australian public\r\nhospital antenatal clinic. Sample population: Women in their third trimester of pregnancy. Method. Women were recruited to the\r\nstudy as they presented for their antenatal appointment. A survey collected demographic data and was used to self report LPP. A\r\npain diagram differentiated low back, pelvic girdle or combined pain. Closed and open ended questions explored the experiences\r\nof the women.Main OutcomeMeasures. The Visual Analogue Scale and the Oswestry Disability Index (Version 2.1a). Results. There\r\nwas a high prevalence of self reported LPP during the pregnancy (71%). An association was found between the reporting of LPP,\r\nmultiparity, and a previous history of LPP. The mean intensity score for usual pain was 6/10 and four out of five women reported\r\ndisability associated with the condition.Most women (71%) had reported their symptoms to their maternity carer however only a\r\nsmall proportion of these women received intervention. Conclusion. LPP is a potentially significant health issue during pregnancy.
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