Prevalence of Pelvic Girdle Pain in Postpartum Women in Slovakia: A Cross-sectional Study

Pelvic girdle pain (PGP) is a prevalent condition during the postpartum period that significantly affects functional mobility and quality of life. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of PGP among postpartum women in Slovakia (12 weeks to 1 year postpartum) and to examine the association between PGP, pelvic floor discomfort, and back pain-related disability. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 791 women (mean age, 31.43 years) between 12 weeks and 1 year postpartum. Validated Slovak versions of the Pelvic Girdle Questionnaire (PGQ), Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire–Short Form 7 (PFIQ-7), and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were administered. The prevalence of clinically significant PGP (PGQ score ≥28) was 21.7% (n = 172). Women with significant PGP reported significantly greater pelvic floor discomfort (PFIQ-7) and higher levels of back pain-related disability (ODI) than those without PGP (p < 0.001). Spearman’s correlation analysis showed that PGP was strongly associated with back pain-related disability and moderately to strongly associated with pelvic floor discomfort. Clinically significant postpartum PGP affects approximately one in five women in Slovakia. Its strong association with back pain-related disability and pelvic floor discomfort underscores the need for an integrated, multidisciplinary approach to postpartum musculoskeletal care.