Prevalence of lumbopelvic pain during pregnancy: A systematic review and meta-analysis of cross-sectional studies.

INTRODUCTION: Lumbopelvic pain (LPP) is common in pregnant women and has a significant negative effect on physical and psychological health. In this study, for the first time, we conduct a meta-analysis to estimate the overall prevalence of LPP among pregnant women and clarify the reasons for the differences in the estimated results.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A systematic search of four databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) was conducted from inception until October 2022. Two reviewers conducted a methodological quality assessment. Random-effects model analysis was used to estimate the pooled prevalence and the 95% confidence interval. Chi-square tests and I2 -values were used to assess the heterogeneity. Subgroup analysis (according to the participants' continent, age, body mass index [BMI], gestational age and study risk of bias), sensitivity analysis and random-effects meta-regression were used to explore the the sources of heterogeneity.

RESULTS: Of the 1661 unique citations, 38 studies (21 533 pregnant participants) were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The overall pooled prevalence of LPP during pregnancy was 58% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.57-0.58), with significant heterogeneity (I2  = 99.1%, P < 0.001). The prevalence differed by participants' continents, 68% (North America), 74% (South America), 50% (Asia), 62% (Europe), 51% (Africa) and 45% (Oceania). The prevalence differed by BMI, 69% (BMI <25), 58% (25 ≤ BMI ≤ 28), and 70% (BMI >28). The prevalence differed by age, 70% (age <25 years), 52% (25 ≤ age ≤ 30 years), and 67% (age >30 years). The prevalence differed by study risk of bias, 57% (low risk of bias studies) and 62% (moderate risk of bias studies). The prevalence did not differ by gestational age, at 57% (both second and third trimester).

CONCLUSIONS: Lumbopelvic pain during pregnancy is common; about three-fifths of pregnant women experience LPP. More prevention and intervention research for lumbopelvic should be conducted in pregnant women with different clinical characteristics.