Prevalence and Functional Consequences of Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction in Pregnant Women Receiving Antenatal Care

Abstract

Background: Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction, a common manifestation of pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain, significantly affects physical functioning and quality of life among pregnant women. Despite its substantial impact on maternal well-being, limited data are available regarding its prevalence and associated functional consequences in Pakistan.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics and to evaluate its association with quality of life and functional mobility.

Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the antenatal clinics of a tertiary care teaching hospital in Lahore, Pakistan, from December 2025 to April 2026. A total of 250 pregnant women aged 18–40 years with singleton pregnancies were recruited through consecutive sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, the Pelvic Girdle Questionnaire (PGQ), the Short Form-12 Health Survey (SF-12), and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26. Associations between SPD, quality of life, and functional mobility were assessed using Chi-square tests, independent t-tests, and Pearson correlation analysis.

Results: Among 250 participants, 88 women were diagnosed with SPD, yielding a prevalence of 35.2%. The mean age of participants was 28.9 ± 4.8 years. SPD was significantly more common among multiparous women (p=0.012), obese women (p=0.008), and those in the third trimester (p=0.001). Women with SPD demonstrated significantly lower SF-12 quality-of-life scores (48.3 ± 8.2 vs. 71.5 ± 7.6; p<0.001) and prolonged TUG test times (13.7 ± 2.8 seconds vs. 9.8 ± 1.9 seconds; p<0.001). PGQ scores showed a strong negative correlation with quality-of-life scores (r=-0.69, p<0.001) and a positive correlation with mobility impairment (r=0.61, p<0.001).

Conclusion: Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction is highly prevalent among pregnant women in Pakistan and is significantly associated with reduced quality of life and impaired functional mobility.