Hypermobility and peripartum pelvic pain syndrome in pregnant South African women.
PMID 10413232 · European journal of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive biology · 1999 · DOI 10.1016/s0301-2115(98)00307-8
Authors: P W van Dongen; M de Boer; W A Lemmens; G B Theron
Abstract
To determine the incidence and correlation of joint hypermobility (HM) and peripartum pelvic pain (PPPP) in an homogeneous pregnant South African population. A cross-sectional study among Cape Coloured pregnant women. Joint mobility was measured by Beighton score; PPPP with a specially developed PPPP score. Using the Beighton scores with a cut-off point of HM > or = 5/9, only 4.9% of the 509 pregnant women were hypermobile. Hyperextension of the elbow was the largest contributor to HM (35.4%). No correlation of HM with the incidence of PPPP was established. Only 20 very mild cases of PPPP were recorded. Back pain increased significantly during pregnancy to a mean of 38%. Right handedness occurred in 95.9%. No significant relation was found between HM and the non-dominant side. Hypermobility in pregnant Cape Coloured women was surprisingly low (4.9%) with a decrease with age, but no increase during pregnancy. Peripartum pelvic pain is virtually absent and has no correlation with joint laxity. Back pain increased during pregnancy to a mean of 38%. Right handedness was high (96%) in comparison with the world-wide figure of 85%. No correlation was found between the dominant body side and hypermobility.
Adolescent; Adult; Age Factors; Back Pain; Cross-Sectional Studies; Elbow; Female; Functional Laterality; Gestational Age; Gravidity; Humans; Joint Instability; Parity; Pelvic Pain; Postpartum Period; Pregnancy; South Africa
Cite
P W van Dongen; M de Boer; W A Lemmens; G B Theron. Hypermobility and peripartum pelvic pain syndrome in pregnant South African women. European journal of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive biology (1999). PMID 10413232. DOI 10.1016/s0301-2115(98)00307-8.