Back Pain in Pregnancy Study

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    A cohort study investigating pregnancy related back pain and posture. Developing an assessment tool for clinical practice

  • IRAS ID

    230891

  • Contact name

    Margaret Prain

  • Contact email

    margaret.prain@bcu.ac.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    Birmingham City University

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    3 years, 11 months, 31 days

  • Research summary

    This study will explore factors that may contribute to pregnancy related back pain. Of specific interest is the potential relationship between posture and pregnancy related back pain. Low risk pregnant women will be asked to participate. Data collection will be via questionnaires to elicit lifestyle, quality of life and any perceived pain or disability. Bio-metric measurements of height, chest, waist and hip circumference, symphysis fundal height, weight and posture will occur at 24-26 weeks, 36-38 weeks, and 6-8 weeks postnatally. In order to ensure low risk women are recruited there are inclusion and exclusion criteria that will be adhered to. These include a clinical risk assessment by midwife or obstetrician and an ultrasound scan (USS) at 20 weeks confirming a low risk singleton pregnancy. Women with an existing history of back pain will not be excluded. All women will receive normal pregnancy care. Information will be provided to women after the confirmed 20 week USS, and women will consent at 22-24 weeks gestation before any measures are taken.

  • REC name

    London - City & East Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    19/LO/0506

  • Date of REC Opinion

    30 Mar 2019

  • REC opinion

    Favourable Opinion