Abstract

Objective: To find the impact of pregnancy related low back pain on activity of daily life.
Methodology: This survey collected data of 200 patients visiting antenatal clinics/hospitals from four city of Punjab during a six months period. Inclusion criteria were the women with third trimester and visiting to antenatal clinic or hospitals. Exclusion criteria were women of 1st and 2nd trimester, and women with previous history of surgery and trauma. Data were collected with modified Ostwestry Disability Index by direct interview.
Results: Out of 200 women, 156 were with low back pain. Forty (25.6%) females showed minimal disability, 44.9 %(70) females showed moderate disability, 26.3% (41) females showed severe disability, four (2.6%) were crippled and One (0.6%) was bedridden. Out of 200 females, 83.3% had pain in lumbosacral area, 15.4% in sacroiliac area and 1.3% in upper back. 5.7% could not sleep, 5.1% could not lift, 3.8% could not travel, 1.3% had no social life, 0.6% could not stand and 0.6% could not walk. Most disability was noted in sleeping and lifting.
Conclusion: Prevalence of low back pain among pregnant women was 78%. 26.3% showed severe disability. Low back pain in pregnancy is very common problem that causes significant disability in pregnant women.

Key words: Pregnancy, low back pain. Functional activity, disability,