Exercise, improvement of thyroid function and weight control may improve low backache during pregnancy: Study

The key findings of the study were as follows:

• Women who reported LBP demonstrated lower engagement in physical activities compared to those without LBP. This association was consistent across all trimesters.

• Pregnant women with LBP experienced significantly higher weight gain during the second and third trimesters compared to their counterparts without LBP (p < 0.05).

• Women with low physical activity levels had notably higher TSH levels throughout pregnancy compared to those with moderate to high physical activity (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in body mass index (BMI) related to TSH levels.

• Factors such as physical inactivity (before pregnancy: OR 1.11, 95% CI 0.89-1.22; first trimester: OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.02-1.59; second trimester: OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.87-1.31; third trimester: OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.02-1.39), TSH levels (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.57-1.29), and weight gain (second trimester: OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.92-1.59; third trimester: OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.02-1.98; p < 0.05) were identified as predictors of increased pain intensity during pregnancy.

Researchers observed that physical inactivity, elevated TSH levels, and higher weight gain predicted increased pain intensity throughout pregnancy. These findings underscore the importance of health-oriented interventions aimed at promoting physical activity, maintaining thyroid function, and managing weight gain in pregnant women to alleviate lower back pain and enhance maternal well-being.

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