Incidence of Musculoskeletal Pain during Pregnancy among Postpartum Women: A Feasibility Study.

Abstract

Background: Literature on musculoskeletal pain (MSKP) among Sri Lankan postpartum women (PPW) is scarce. Factors such as transitional changes from pregnancy to motherhood, accessibility and health concerns immediately after delivery, including pain and psychological symptoms, are some reasons that make this population challenging to interview. Objective: To assess the feasibility of determining musculoskeletal conditions and pain incidence among PPW Methods: A feasibility study was conducted in ward settings on 10% of the sample size using a convenient sampling method before a longitudinal cohort study. Two-month and six-month interviews will be conducted as part of the feasibility study using a follow-up questionnaire via telephone interviews. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed on the onsite interviews, and the practical concerns encountered were summarized. Results: It was feasible to conduct a study by recruiting postpartum mothers in ward settings. Twenty-two mothers [(28±4.4 years, primiparous 68%, (n=15), caesarean emergency 27.3% (n=6)] with a mean postpartum period of 8.45 days were recruited. However, the following concerns were noted: baby care activities, attention required for babies with special concerns, and attending medical procedures challenged the interviewing process of mothers. The impact of pain related to delivery and inadequate sleep are some of the practical concerns encountered in mothers’ responses. In addition to feasibility results, the prevalence of pain was assessed. During their pregnancy, 91% (n=20) of mothers had recurrent MSKP with a pain rating of 6.5±2.16, starting in the third trimester (54.5%, n=12). During postpartum, 18% (n=4) had pain in the shoulder region associated with breastfeeding. Two-month and six-month interviews will be conducted as part of the feasibility study. Conclusions: It is feasible to conduct a study on postpartum mothers in ward settings. The main study should consider only specific questions to address the practical concerns. Musculoskeletal pain is prevalent in postpartum women during pregnancy, and shoulder pain is common during childcare activities in the postpartum period.