Prevalence of lumbopelvic pain during pregnancy: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of cross‐sectional studies

Abstract

IntroductionLumbopelvic pain (LPP) is common in pregnant women and has a significant negative effect on physical and psychological health. In this study, for the first time, we conduct a meta‐analysis to estimate the overall prevalence of LPP among pregnant women and clarify the reasons for the differences in the estimated results.Material and methodsA systematic search of four databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) was conducted from inception until October 2022. Two reviewers conducted a methodological quality assessment. Random‐effects model analysis was used to estimate the pooled prevalence and the 95% confidence interval. Chi‐square tests and I2‐values were used to assess the heterogeneity. Subgroup analysis (according to the participants’ continent, age, body mass index [BMI], gestational age and study risk of bias), sensitivity analysis and random‐effects meta‐regression were used to explore the the sources of heterogeneity.ResultsOf the 1661 unique citations, 38 studies (21 533 pregnant participants) were included in this systematic review and meta‐analysis. The overall pooled prevalence of LPP during pregnancy was 58% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.57–0.58), with significant heterogeneity (I2 = 99.1%, P < 0.001). The prevalence differed by participants’ continents, 68% (North America), 74% (South America), 50% (Asia), 62% (Europe), 51% (Africa) and 45% (Oceania). The prevalence differed by BMI, 69% (BMI <25), 58% (25 ≤ BMI ≤ 28), and 70% (BMI >28). The prevalence differed by age, 70% (age <25 years), 52% (25 ≤ age ≤ 30 years), and 67% (age >30 years). The prevalence differed by study risk of bias, 57% (low risk of bias studies) and 62% (moderate risk of bias studies). The prevalence did not differ by gestational age, at 57% (both second and third trimester).ConclusionsLumbopelvic pain during pregnancy is common; about three‐fifths of pregnant women experience LPP. More prevention and intervention research for lumbopelvic should be conducted in pregnant women with different clinical characteristics.