The pelvic ring of pain: Pregnant women’s experiences of pelvic girdle pain as related to embodied experiences and experiences of the healthcare care system: A Swedish interview study

• Objectives Pelvic girdle pain (PGP) is a universal disabling condition that affects three of 10 pregnant women. Qualitative studies on the subject are lacking .The aim with this study was to describe pregnant women’s experiences of PGP related to everyday life. Method In all, 27 women with PGP participating in a randomised controlled study were interviewed during 2010 to 2011. Content analysis was used. Results Five main categories emerged; Pelvic girdle pain affects ability to cope with everyday life; Coping with motherhood; Often personal relationships between partners reached breaking point; To question the identity defined by profession and work and; Lessons-learned from living with PGP. The categories illustrate that women’s everyday life stopped. Not being able to meet their own and others expectations putting a strain on their being and made them disappointed, sad and frustrated. It made them question and doubt their roles and identities as mothers, partners and professionals. They we’re not looking forward to another pregnancy, without any effective treatment for PGP at hand. Lessons learned were that women with PGP should seek help immediately, listen to their bodies and acknowledge their own limitations. Conclusion PGP severely affects pregnant women’s everyday life. There seems to be a lack of knowledge and awareness of PGP and how to support these women both general in society, among caregivers and employers that needs to be highlighted and rectified. Appropriate support during this important and rare phase in a woman’s life is warranted.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Experience

pregnancy

pelvic girdle pain

qualitative interview study

Publikations- och innehållstyp

vet (ämneskategori)

kon (ämneskategori)