Low back pain in a prospective cohort of pregnant women - Version 2
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Watching Pregnancy Project: A study looking at low back pain (LBP) symptoms, previous LBP episodes, treatments available and outcomes in a sample of pregnant women
IRAS ID
202189
Contact name
Sarah D Liddle
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Ulster University (Research & Innovation)
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
Over two-thirds of women experience low back pain (LBP) during pregnancy, with symptoms typically increasing as pregnancy advances and often continuing after birth. For many women, their pain can become so severe that it restricts their daily activities, including absence from work and disrupted sleep. A recent survey, carried out by members of the research team, highlighted women's disappointment with the lack of support they received for their LBP, leaving many feeling frustrated that their symptoms are not taken seriously. Despite the widespread evidence of the problem in Scandinavian countries, there have been no long-term studies showing the true extent of this problem in the UK. Therefore, this study will explore the LBP history, symptoms, types of treatment, and patient reported outcomes in a group of pregnant women suffering from LBP. Women attending the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust (SEHSCT) antenatal midwifery service (Ulster Maternity Unit, Dundonald) will be recruited over a seven month period. Each participant in the study will be asked to provide information including age, parity, marital and employment status, LBP history (if any), and a range of questionnaires (outcome measures) to find out how LBP affects them, how they manage it and their thoughts about the effectiveness of the treatments available. Information will be collected from each participant electronically at four different time points: (i) 20 to 22 and (ii) 31 to 34 weeks’ gestation, (iii) six weeks and (iv) six months after childbirth. The study findings will significantly contribute to the physiotherapy and midwifery knowledge base by providing a picture of the extent of this problem, both during and after pregnancy and whether, or not, current clinical practice is meeting the needs and preferences of women suffering from pregnancy-related LBP.
REC name
HSC REC A
REC reference
16/NI/0072
Date of REC Opinion
13 May 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion