Educating women to prevent and treat low back and pelvic girdle pain during and after pregnancy: a systematized narrative review

This review evaluated the effectiveness of patient education and information on low back pain (LBP) and pelvic girdle pain (PGP) in pregnant and postpartum women and evaluated their alignment with modern pain education principles rooted in the biopsychosocial model. A systematized narrative review was performed, including a systematic search of three databases and reference screening from relevant systematic reviews. The methodological quality of the included randomized controlled trials (RCT) was evaluated using the PEDro scale. Eighteen studies, including nine RCTs with PEDro scores ranging from to 2–8, indicated that patient education during pregnancy can help reduce pain and related disability. Most studies did not differentiate between LBP and PGP, which limits the specificity and targeted approach of educational interventions. Education alone is less effective without accompanying active treatment. Current programs primarily emphasize biomechanics, covering anatomy and physical changes, but often neglect lifestyle factors, such as stress and sleep. Although patient education is important for managing pregnancy-related LBP and PGP, its effectiveness may be improved by tailoring programs to specific pain conditions and integrating a biopsychosocial perspective on pain. It is important to differentiate between lower back and pelvic girdle pain to specifically address patient education with respect to pain conditions.The incorporation of lifestyle factors such as stress and sleep could be an important part of patient education for both pregnant and postpartum women.Patient education should not stand alone, but should be combined with active treatment, such as exercise.Patient education may be more effective during or at the beginning of pregnancy. It is important to differentiate between lower back and pelvic girdle pain to specifically address patient education with respect to pain conditions. The incorporation of lifestyle factors such as stress and sleep could be an important part of patient education for both pregnant and postpartum women. Patient education should not stand alone, but should be combined with active treatment, such as exercise. Patient education may be more effective during or at the beginning of pregnancy.