Pelvic girdle pain syndrome in the postpartum periodIntroduction: Pelvic girdle pain (PGP) is common during pregnancy and the postpartum period, although only a minority of patients experience severe, function-limiting pain.
Objective: To analyze the factors contributing to PGP in the puerperium and summarize the main therapeutic approaches for its management.
Methods: We describe a case of PGP in the immediate postpartum period following vaginal delivery in a primiparous woman. Shortly after delivery, the patient developed severe pelvic pain that prevented ambulation. The potential contribution of labor and prolonged upright positions, which increase pressure on the pelvic girdle, was examined. The presence of symptoms suggestive of neurologic involvement prompted additional diagnostic testing and multidisciplinary assessment for differential diagnosis. Pain management required a multimodal strategy combining pharmacological treatment and physiotherapy. The case's complexity and difficulty achieving adequate pain control resulted in prolonged hospitalization during the puerperium.
Conclusion: This case underscores the importance of considering PGP syndrome in the differential diagnosis of other osteopathies. Given the multifactorial nature of PGP, effective management requires a coordinated multidisciplinary approach.
Keywords:
Pelvic girdle pain; Postpartum; Low back pain