Hidden association between the presence and severity of striae gravidarum and low back pain in pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE(S): To investigate the association between striae gravidarum and low back pain in pregnancy.

STUDY DESIGN: 200 healthy pregnant women with first, uncomplicated and singleton pregnancy at a gestation age of 36-37 weeks were evaluated for striae gravidarum Davey score. Back pain was assessed by Visual Analogue Scale and functional disability by the Turkish version of Oswestry Disability Index.

RESULTS: 118 (59%) had low back pain. The Davey score was higher in women with low back pain (6.6 ± 2.2 vs. 4.4 ± 2.1; p < 0.001). Davey score and total Oswestry Disability Index score were positively correlated with Visual Analogue Scale in women with low back pain (r = 0.570, p < 0.001 and r = 0.329, p < 0.001, respectively). There were also significant positive correlations between Davey scores and Oswestry Disability Index scores of each different situation (pain intensity, personal care and lifting, walking, sitting, standing, sleeping, sexual life, social life and travelling).

CONCLUSION: Presence and severity of low back pain is correlated with the presence and severity of striae gravidarum in pregnant women. Therefore, the presence of low back pain can be predicted by simple striae gravidarum evaluation and follow-up. So, necessary precautions can be recommended to prevent pain and functional limitations that can occur during pregnancy.