Prevalence of Post-Partum Low Back Pain Among Primigravida Females: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Abstract

Background: Postpartum low back pain (LBP) is a common musculoskeletal disorder that may impair maternal functioning, yet limited data are available from low- and middle-income countries. Primigravida women are particularly vulnerable due to physiological, biomechanical, and psychosocial adjustments during early motherhood. Objective: To determine the prevalence and severity of postpartum LBP among primigravida women in Pakistan using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 176 primigravida women aged ≥20 years recruited from two tertiary hospitals in Lahore, Pakistan. Participants with prior musculoskeletal disorders, trauma, or obstetric complications were excluded. Data were collected using the validated ODI questionnaire. Baseline characteristics included age and occupation. Statistical analysis was performed with IBM SPSS 21, and associations between demographic variables and ODI outcomes were assessed using chi-square tests. Results: All participants reported postpartum LBP. Of the total, 158 women (89.8%, 95% CI: 85.3–94.3) were classified with moderate disability, while 18 women (10.2%, 95% CI: 5.7–14.7) had minimum disability. No cases of severe, crippled, or bed-bound disability were recorded. Disability severity did not differ significantly by age (p=0.62) or occupation (p=0.71). Conclusion: Postpartum LBP was universally reported among primigravida women in this study, with most experiencing moderate disability. Routine postpartum screening and early rehabilitative interventions are recommended to mitigate functional limitations.