2017 Volume 31 Issue 1 Pages 44-53
Objective
This study is to clarify the relation between weight gain and the onset period of low back pain (LBP) during pregnancy. In addition, the article investigates the presence or absence of effective ways to manage LBP.
Patients and Methods
A sample of 117 post-partum women was recruited from a certain maternity clinic within Mie prefecture. All participants answered a questionnaire. By using 2006 MHLW (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare)'s recommended amount of weight during pregnancy as a reference, the samples were classified in 3 groups: insufficient when the amount of weight gain is below the MHLW recommendation, appropriate when the amount of weight gain is within the limit of recommendation, and excessive when the amount of weight gain is above the recommendation. Through the items in the questionnaire, we were able to obtain fundamental information regarding LBP. Data obtained was analyzed with relevancy among the three groups and LBP using chi-square tests by SPSS (version 21). Also, we performed one-way analysis of variance among three classified groups as for amount of weight, Breslow score.etc.
Results
1. Eighty two (70.7%) of the 116 included subjects had LBP in pregnancy. Among them, about 70% women suffered from LBP by third trimester pregnancy. Extra weight gain tends to cause early LBP.
2. More than 70% of all subjects experienced severe LBP period during third trimester pregnancy.
3. Within the three groups, the primary types of interference to basic actions and postures in daily life include “holding a crouching or standing position”, “holding or lifting up a heavy load”, “turning over in bed”, and “sitting for a long time”.
4. Techniques for reducing LBP include “using cushion or pillow”, “wearing a waist corset or pelvis belt”, “getting a massage”, “maternity swimming”, “applying a compress to the waist”, or “taking pain medication”. However, few women utilized the techniques, even though these techniques can be effective for all women suffering from LBP.
Conclusion/Discussion
The findings from this study show that when a woman gains a lot of weight, she is more likely to experience LBP early. In addition, those women tend to experience difficulties in simple movements of daily life during early stages of pregnancy. It is therefore necessary to provide proper health guidance in early stages to manage weight gain during pregnancy, to prevent LBP. Even though some treatments are effective, it is a fact that few women utilized them. Extensive information should be shared with everyone, especially health professionals and pregnant women. Given the significant impact on the quality of maternity life, health professionals need to be proactive in helping pregnant women to prevent LBP.
