NCT05507853

Exploring Central Sensitization in Pregnant Women

In the Joints or in the Brain? Exploring Central Sensitization in Pregnant Women and Its Role in Pain, Physical Activity, Functioning and Health Following Pregnancy

• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: —
• Study type: Observational
• Enrollment: 144 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Göteborg University · Academic / Other
• Sex: Female
• Age: 18 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) is reported by 50% of pregnant women and up to 11 years after pregnancy, 10% of women have persistent and per definition chronic PGP. Central (nervous system) sensitization that elicits pain hypersensitivity, may be one explanation. The overall aim of this study is to explore features of central sensitization in pregnant women and its predictive ability on physical activity, functioning and health in women with PGP. Measurements of central sensitization will be done on two study groups, pregnant women with PGP and healthy controls. To identify women at risk to develop chronic pain in relation to a common pain experience ie PGP in pregnancy, may help us understand if central sensitization early in life explains why women develop chronic pain.

Detailed description

Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) is reported by 50% (60000) of pregnant women yearly in Sweden. PGP is expected to disappear after delivery. However up to 11 years after pregnancy, 10% of women have persistent and per definition chronic PGP with large impact on their physical activity, functioning,and health. Central (nervous system) sensitization, defined as an amplification of neural signaling within the central nervous system that elicits pain hypersensitivity, may be one explanation why 10% of women develop postpartum chronic PGP and related physical inactivity. The overall aim of this study is to explore features of central sensitization in pregnant women and its predictive ability on physical activity, functioning and health in women with PGP. Two study groups, pregnant women with PGP and healthy controls (including non-native Swedish) will be included through maternity care units and a blog. Measurements of primary outcome central sensitization will be done. To identify women at risk to develop chronic pain in relation to a common pain experience ie PGP in pregnancy, may help us understand if central sensitization early in life explains why women develop chronic pain.

Conditions

• Pelvic Girdle Pain
• Chronic Pain

Timeline

• Start date: 2023-08-15
• Primary completion: 2025-07-01
• Completion: 2025-12-31
• First posted: 2022-08-19
• Last updated: 2025-04-01

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Sweden