What is Pregnancy related pelvic girdle pain?

Pregnancy related pelvic girdle pain (PRPGP) refers to discomfort in the joints of the pelvis that can occur during pregnancy. It is a common condition, affecting up to 1 in 5 pregnant women.

It is most commonly experienced during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, but can also occur in the first trimester or postpartum period.

PRPGP can cause severe pain and disability, making it difficult to carry out everyday activities such as walking or getting in and out of a car. 

The pain is often worse at night and can make it difficult to sleep. PRPGP can also cause psychological distress due to the impact on quality of life.

If you’re suffering from PRPGP then you should visit you nearest Burlington Physiotherapy Clinic. 

What are the causes of Pregnancy Related Pelvic Girdle Pain?

There is no one definitive cause of PRPGP, but it is thought to be related to the mechanical and hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy. These changes can result in increased joint laxity and instability, which may lead to pain.

What are the risk factors for developing Pregnancy Related Pelvic Girdle Pain?

There are a number of risk factors that have been associated with an increased risk of PRPGP, including:

• Previous history of low back pain or pelvic girdle pain
• Obesity
• Multiparity (i.e. being pregnant with more than one baby)
• History of previous pelvis or hip joint surgery
• Age over 35 years old

These are  only risk factors; it does not mean that if you have one or more of these you will definitely get PRPGP.

Pregnancy Related Pelvic Girdle Pain Risk Factors.

Back Gound: Pelvic girdle pain (PPGP) is a common complaint associated with pregnancy. The etiology remains unclear and reports provide conflicting accounts of risk factors for PPGP. The aim of this scoping assessment was to map the body of literature on risk factors for experiencing PPGP.

Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, MIDIRS, and ClinicalTrial.gov (3 August 2020) databases. We selected studies independently with two reviewers. Observational studies evaluating risk factors for PPGP were included. Studies examining specific diagnostic tests or interventions were excluded.

Results: We identified 5090 records from the databases and 1077 records from ClinicalTrial.gov. Twenty-four records met the inclusion criteria. Out of a total of 148 factors examined, only 14 factors were examined in more than one study. Factors positively associated with PPGP included low back or pelvic girdle pain, overweight/obesity, having already had one child, younger age, lower education level, pre-pregnancy exercise, physically demanding work, and previous back pain/disease. , use of the progestin-intrauterine device, stress, depression, and anxiety. 

How is Pregnancy Related Pelvic Girdle Pain diagnosed?

PRPGP is diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical examination and imaging. Imaging is generally not required unless there are concerns about other conditions that can cause similar symptoms (e.g. a herniated disc).

What are the treatments for Pregnancy Related Pelvic Girdle Pain?

There is no one definitive treatment for PRPGP, and the approach depends on the severity of symptoms. In mild cases, self-care measures such as heat or ice packs, gentle stretching and relaxation techniques may be all that is required.

For more severe cases, a combination of treatments such as physiotherapy, acupuncture, chiropractic care and massage may be recommended. In some cases, medication (e.g. paracetamol) or injections (e.g. corticosteroids) may be necessary.

Surgery is generally only considered as a last resort if all other treatments have failed.

What are the long-term effects of Pregnancy Related Pelvic Girdle Pain?

PRPGP is generally a self-limiting condition that improves after the baby is born. However, some women may experience persistent pain and disability. This  can have a significant impact on quality of life, and may lead to depression and anxiety.

If you are experiencing PRPGP, it is important to seek help from a healthcare professional to ensure that you receive the most appropriate treatment for your individual situation. If left untreated, PRPGP can have a significant impact on your overall life.

What Can You Do To Manage Pregnancy Related Pelvic Girdle Pain?

There are a number of things that you can do to help manage PRPGP, including:

• Taking pain medication as prescribed by your healthcare professional
• Applying heat or ice packs to the affected area
• Doing gentle stretching and exercises as recommended by your physiotherapist
• Wearing supportive footwear
• Avoiding high impact activities such as running or jumping
• Taking regular breaks during the day to rest
• Sleeping on your side with a pillow between your legs

If you are struggling to cope with PRPGP, it is important to seek help from your healthcare team. They can provide you with support and advice, and refer you to other services if necessary.

How Can We Help You With PRPGP

Procure offers the latest in evidence based, non-invasive treatments for PRPGP. We provide you with one of the best places for treating PRPGP in Mississauga. Our local  experts will help you find the root of the problem and work with you to find the best treatment options available, so that you can get back to your life.

Having a troubled life  due to PRPGP is not something  you should have to endure. Let us help you take the first step to getting your life back on track.

Contact us today through  our website or give us a call, and we’ll be happy to help you. You can even visit us at your nearest location and get yourself checked.

Pelvic Girdle Pain Examination

A large number of factors have been examined as risk factors for PPGP, but there is a lack of duplication in systematic reviews and pooled studies to draw solider conclusions. Factors examined in more than five studies included age, body mass index, parity, and smoking.

PGP can be diagnosed by pain provocation tests (P4/thigh thrust, Patrix Faber, Gainslenz test, modified Trendelenburg test) and pain palpation tests (long dorsal ligament test, palpation of the symphysis). As a functional test, the Active Straight Leg Raise (ASLR) test is recommended.

Differential Diagnosis

PGP can be diagnosed by pain provocation tests (P4/thigh thrust, Patrix Faber, Gainslenz test, modified Trendelenburg test) and pain palpation tests (long dorsal ligament test, palpation of the symphysis). As a functional test, the Active Straight Leg Raise (ASLR) test is recommended.

A difference diagnosis is a list of possible conditions that share the same symptoms you have described to your healthcare worker. This list is not your final diagnosis, but rather a hypothesis about what is causing your symptoms.

prognosis

A forecast can be describe as excellent, good, fair, poor, or disappointing. The prognosis of a disease or condition largely depends on the risk factors and indicators present in the patient.

Postpartum pelvic girdle pain prognosis (PPGP) (which may involve the SI joint(s)) resolves within 4 months of delivery in most women, but up to 20% of women who experience this pain during pregnancy and beyond report persistent pain. Three years after delivery.