Functional Limitations, Physical Activity, and Fatigue in Women With Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy and Postpartum: A Prospective Longitudinal Study

Background: Pelvic pain is a significant public health problem that reduces the quality of life of women during and after pregnancy, and may have lasting effects on maternal and fetal health. The aim of this study was to investigate the multidimensional impact of pelvic pain during pregnancy and postpartum on long-term physical activity levels, functional limitations, and fatigue in women. Methods: This prospective longitudinal study was conducted on pregnant women (n = 180) who attended gynecology and obstetrics outpatient clinics at three provincial hospitals in the Central Anatolia region of Turkey between June 2022 and December 2023. Data were collected using the visual analog scale (VAS), pelvic girdle questionnaire (PGQ), pregnancy physical activity questionnaire (PPAQ), and multidimensional assessment of fatigue (MAF). These scales were evaluated during the first, second, and third trimesters of pregnancy, and again during the postpartum period. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, normality tests, ANOVA, Bonferroni multiple comparison tests, linear regression, and multiple linear regression analyses. Results: As pregnancy progressed, VAS scores increased, PGQ scores increased significantly during the postpartum period, PPAQ scores gradually decreased, and MAF scores increased (p < 0.05). Correlations were found between VAS, PGQ, PPAQ, and MAF. Multiple regression analysis showed that decreased physical activity and increased fatigue were statistically associated with pelvic pain (R2 = 0.413); however, the overall regression model was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Conclusions: This study found that pelvic pain persists beyond pregnancy, significantly impairing the physical functioning and energy levels of affected women. The development of individualized and holistic rehabilitation programs during pregnancy may be effective in maintaining and improving the mother’s quality of life postpartum.