Musculoskeletal disorders of pregnancy, delivery and postpartum

Abstract

Gender-specific care of musculoskeletal impairments is increasingly important in women's health. This is most relevant and of paramount importance as it relates to identification and management of musculoskeletal and peripheral neurologic disorders of pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum. The specific anatomic and physiologic changes of pregnancy predispose to a specific set of diagnoses. Virtually all women experience some degree of musculoskeletal discomfort during pregnancy. This article provides an overview of the more common pregnancy-related musculoskeletal conditions and includes a discussion of epidemiology, risk factors, diagnosis, prognosis, and management.