Exploring Central Sensitization in Pregnant Women

Göteborg University

Status: Not yet enrolling

Conditions: Chronic Pain; Pelvic Girdle Pain

Study type: Observational

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT05507853

VGFOUREG-939632

Details and patient eligibility

About

Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) is reported by 50% of pregnant women and up to 11 years after pregnancy, 10% of women have persistent and per definition chronic PGP. Central (nervous system) sensitization that elicits pain hypersensitivity, may be one explanation.

The overall aim of this study is to explore features of central sensitization in pregnant women and its predictive ability on physical activity, functioning and health in women with PGP. Measurements of central sensitization will be done on two study groups, pregnant women with PGP and healthy controls. To identify women at risk to develop chronic pain in relation to a common pain experience ie PGP in pregnancy, may help us understand if central sensitization early in life explains why women develop chronic pain.

Full description

Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) is reported by 50% (60000) of pregnant women yearly in Sweden. PGP is expected to disappear after delivery. However up to 11 years after pregnancy, 10% of women have persistent and per definition chronic PGP with large impact on their physical activity, functioning,and health. Central (nervous system) sensitization, defined as an amplification of neural signaling within the central nervous system that elicits pain hypersensitivity, may be one explanation why 10% of women develop postpartum chronic PGP and related physical inactivity.

The overall aim of this study is to explore features of central sensitization in pregnant women and its predictive ability on physical activity, functioning and health in women with PGP. Two study groups, pregnant women with PGP and healthy controls (including non-native Swedish) will be included through maternity care units and a blog. Measurements of primary outcome central sensitization will be done. To identify women at risk to develop chronic pain in relation to a common pain experience ie PGP in pregnancy, may help us understand if central sensitization early in life explains why women develop chronic pain.

Enrollment: 144 estimated patients

Sex: Female

Ages: 18+ years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• pregnant (first time pregnant or previous experience of pregnancy)
• 18 years of age or older
• have a single foetus pregnancy
• be in gestational weeks 20-30
• able to read and understand Swedish or English

Exclusion criteria

• no history of a fracture or malignant disease in the back, pelvis, pelvic floor or hips
• no systemic disease of the musculoskeletal or the nervous system
• no diseases such as gestational diabetes or diabetes type 1 and 2, hypertension
• no obstetric complications
• no contradiction for tests.