Low Back Pain in the Third Trimester: Social Implications for Pregnant Women in Nigerian Suburban Hospitals

Background

Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common complications of pregnancy, especially during the third trimester, and can occur as a result of different pregnancy-related physiological changes.

Objectives

To examine the social impact of LBP during the third trimester among pregnant women in selected hospitals in Nnewi North, Anambra State, Nigeria.

Design

A cross-sectional study.

Methods

Pregnant women in their third trimester and attending antenatal care in some selected hospitals in Nnewi were selected conveniently. The participants completed a self-administered Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), from which their data were obtained, summarized and analysed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics of chi-square (χ²), respectively. The alpha level was set at 0.05.

Results

A total of 104 women with a mean age and number of pregnancies of 33.89 ± 9.37 and 3.53 ± 1.66, respectively. The mean ODI score was 30.06 ± 17.85, respectively. All the participants revealed that they had LBP, and 39.4% reported pain of moderate intensity. The pain impacted their physical function, social activities and work; 35.6% were unable to walk more than 2 km, and 42.3% experienced increased pain during travel. The numbers of pregnancies, maternal age, occupations and educational level during the third trimester of pregnancy were not significantly associated (p > 0.05) with the severity of LBP.

Conclusion

LBP has a significant social impact on pregnant women during their third trimester of pregnancy as normal activities such as basic activities of daily living, travelling, sex life, social life and work result in exacerbation of pain. It is necessary to carry out thorough assessments and counselling, provide education on proper ergonomics and incorporate thorough pain management techniques into standard prenatal treatment.