Exploring pain sensitivity in pregnant women

In the Joints or in the Brain? Exploring Central Sensitization in Pregnant Women and Its Role in Pain, Physical Activity, Functioning and Health Following Pregnancy

Göteborg University · NCT05507853

This study looks at how sensitive to pain pregnant women with pelvic girdle pain are compared to healthy women to see if it can help predict their health and activity levels after giving birth.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment144 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorGöteborg University (other)
Locations1 site (Gothenburg)
Trial IDNCT05507853 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates central sensitization in pregnant women experiencing Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) and compares them to healthy controls. The research aims to understand how central sensitization may predict physical activity, functioning, and health outcomes in women with PGP. By measuring features of central sensitization, the study seeks to identify women at risk of developing chronic pain following pregnancy. Participants will be recruited from maternity care units and a blog, focusing on those in gestational weeks 20-30.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include pregnant women aged 18 and older, between 20-30 weeks of gestation, who can read and understand Swedish or English.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of significant back or pelvic conditions, systemic diseases, or obstetric complications may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to better understanding and management of chronic pain in postpartum women.

How similar studies have performed: While the concept of central sensitization is established, this specific approach in pregnant women is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* pregnant (first time pregnant or previous experience of pregnancy)
* 18 years of age or older
* have a single foetus pregnancy
* be in gestational weeks 20-30
* able to read and understand Swedish or English

Exclusion Criteria:

* no history of a fracture or malignant disease in the back, pelvis, pelvic floor or hips
* no systemic disease of the musculoskeletal or the nervous system
* no diseases such as gestational diabetes or diabetes type 1 and 2, hypertension
* no obstetric complications
* no contradiction for tests.

Where this trial is running

Gothenburg

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Pelvic Girdle Pain, Chronic Pain

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.