A qualitative exploration of the views and experiences of women with Pregnancy related Pelvic Girdle Pain

To explore the views and experiences of women with Pregnancy related Pelvic Girdle Pain (PPGP), and to inform the design and development of a subsequent feasibility study.

Using a philosophical stance of pragmatism, one-to-one audio recorded semi-structured interviews were used. All interviews were conducted once by a male interviewer, and analysed using an interpretive thematic data analytic approach through five steps: transcription, precoding, coding, categorisation and theme generation, with reflexivity adopted throughout the data synthesis process.

A Women’s Health Physiotherapy Department in the North East of England between April 2014 to June 2014.

Eight pregnant women suffering with Pregnancy related Pelvic Girdle Pain.

Women’s experiences of Pregnancy related Pelvic Girdle Pain.

Three themes emerged: Reality of Pregnancy related Pelvic Girdle Pain; Key Mechanisms of Support and; Impact of Knowledge. Participants reported biopsychosocial symptoms, which included pain, reduced activities of daily living, psychological distress and social isolation. Participants valued the support of a healthcare professional through face to face contact and the interventions that they provided, as well as information on the condition.

Whilst there were some limitations to this study, the biopsychosocial symptoms discussed here justify the investigation of acupuncture for Pregnancy related Pelvic Girdle Pain. The design and development of a subsequent feasibility study, specifically in areas of recruitment, acceptability of the intervention and appropriate selection of outcome measures were informed by this study.