Observing life from the sideline – a qualitative study on experiences of living with pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain

TL;DR

This study explores how pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain affects women's daily lives, emotions, and relationships, emphasizing the need for better support and understanding.

Contribution

The study provides novel qualitative insights into the lived experiences of women with PPGP, focusing on identity, coping, and family life.

Findings

PPGP disrupts physical and emotional functioning, sleep, and routine activities.

Partner support and social validation are crucial for coping with PPGP.

Women perceive PPGP as temporary but challenging, with varied expectations for recovery.

Abstract

Pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain (PPGP) is a common musculoskeletal condition that affects physical functioning, emotional well-being, and everyday life for many women. While the physical symptoms of PPGP are increasingly recognised, there remains a lack of insight into the lived experiences of those affected, particularly in relation to identity, coping, and family life.

This study aimed to explore pregnant Norwegian women’s experiences of PPGP, with a particular focus on symptom burden, coping strategies, and the condition’s impact on quality of life and family dynamics.

Semi-structured in-depth individual interviews (n = 18) were conducted with pregnant women experiencing PPGP. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.

The overarching theme, This, too, shall pass, emerged from participants’ narratives, capturing a shared perception of PPGP as a temporary, though challenging, aspect of the perinatal experience. While some participants remained hopeful for immediate postpartum relief, others anticipated a longer recovery. The participants described a constant need to adapt, striving to balance daily responsibilities and self-preservation despite persistent discomfort. PPGP significantly disrupted physical and emotional functioning, disrupted sleep, and hindering routine activities, including work participation. Partner support and social validation emerged as vital coping resources.

Our findings show that PPGP profoundly affects women’s physical, emotional well-being, occupational roles and sense of identity during pregnancy. These insights highlight the need for a holistic, person-centred approach to PPGP in clinical care. Improving professional awareness and the development of patient-informed interventions are essential to support coping strategies, safeguard maternal identity, and reduce the daily burden of living with PPGP.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12884-026-08724-y.