Postpartum Perceptions of First-Trimester Information on Physical Exercise and Low Back Pain, Pain Incidence, and Healthcare-Seeking Among Physically Active Pregnant Women

Although educational interventions for pregnancy-related low back pain (PLBP) have previously been investigated, little is known about physically active women’s postpartum perceptions of written information or whether these perceptions align with physical activity (PA), PLBP, and healthcare-seeking. This prospective cohort study assessed postpartum perceptions of information provided during the first trimester and their associations with PA, PLBP, and primary care consultation. The cohort included 147 pregnant women who met a prespecified operational PA criterion of ≥600 MET·min/week both before and during pregnancy, with PA assessed using the short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). This threshold was operationally derived from World Health Organization recommendations on PA during pregnancy. At first-trimester recruitment, all participants received comprehensive written information on PA during pregnancy and strategies to prevent or alleviate PLBP. Perceptions were assessed within the first month postpartum. Overall, 97.3% perceived the information as useful, and 90.5% reported a positive influence on their motivation to remain active. PLBP developed in 64.6% of participants, with no significant differences in perceived usefulness or motivational influence between women with and without PLBP. Motivational influence was not associated with PA levels or changes during pregnancy. Among participants who developed PLBP, 44.2% consulted primary care; consultation was not associated with perceived usefulness, motivational influence, or PA. Maximum pain intensity was not associated with motivational influence, whereas PLBP affecting more than one trimester was associated with the absence of a perceived positive motivational influence after adjustment (adjusted OR 6.02; 95% CI 1.66–24.99). Thus, favorable perceptions of the information coexisted with a high incidence of PLBP and a low primary care consultation rate, indicating that perceived usefulness and motivation were not necessarily reflected in PA levels or changes, pain experience, or healthcare-seeking.