Exploring pain sensitivity in pregnant women
Official title: 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
Run by Göteborg University · NCT05507853 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 144 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Göteborg University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Gothenburg) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 15, 2023 |
| Main results expected | July 1, 2025 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2025 |
| Registry record updated | April 1, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT05507853 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with a history of significant back or pelvic conditions, systemic diseases, or obstetric complications may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: While the concept of central sensitization is established, this specific approach in pregnant women is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
Närhälsan Gibraltargatan
Gothenburg, Sweden Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Annelie Gutke, associate professor
- Email: annelie.gutke@gu.se
- Phone: 0046(0)7665747
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.