Workload, Musculoskeletal Pain, and Quality of Life in Pregnant and Postpartum Women: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the prevalence and impact of workload on musculoskeletal pain and quality of life (QoL) among Indian women during pregnancy and postpartum. A prospective cohort of 300 women at 30 weeks of gestation was followed up until 6 weeks postpartum. Musculoskeletal pain was identified using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, intensity was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and QoL was assessed using the SF-36 summary scores. Pain was reported by 72% of the participants during pregnancy and 57.6% postpartum, most commonly in the lower back. Women with heavy workloads had higher VAS scores and lower PCS/MCS scores ( P  < 0.05). Cesarean delivery is associated with persistent back pain. Musculoskeletal pain is common during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Ergonomic strategies and supportive household or workplace policies may help reduce maternal burden and improve recovery.