The pelvic ring of pain: Pregnant women’s experiences of severe pelvic girdle pain: An interview study

Abstract

Background: Pelvic girdle pain (PGP) is a universal problem affecting approximately 50% of all pregnant women. For 25 to 30% of pregnant women the problem becomes severe.

Methods: In-depth interviews were carried out with 27 pregnant women with severe PGP in 2009-2010. Qualitative content analysis was used.

Results: The women’s experiences are summarized in four categories: A strange body; the body on guard; relation and support from health care and, acceptance of PGP.

Conclusions: PGP completely preoccupied women with severe PGP. It influenced their self-evident trust in their bodies as well as their capabilities to guide and control them. The fear of triggering pain and unpleasant sensations made them avoid movement. They experienced anxiety and worry of not being able to manage their pregnancy and childbirth, and bind to their unborn child. They felt worse that their complaints are trivialized, and not taken seriously in health care. To be able to cope with PGP, they had to accept it and realize that they have to be aware and accept their bodies’ limitations. This means working with their bodies and not against them. PGP made the women look upon life more seriously and changed their self-perception. Increased awareness and knowledge are needed among healthcare to enable them to meet these women’s needs and provide them with adequate support. Information about PGP could be sent home with the woman at the first visit to the midwife. This would probably prevent or reduce the worry that can arise in women suffering severe PGP.