Non-Obstetric Pain in Pregnancy

Abstract

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The hormonal and mechanical changes which result from pregnancy have the capacity to exacerbate existing chronic pain conditions as well as produce pain unique to this physiological and anatomical state.

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Pain in pregnancy is very common and can impact negatively on maternal satisfaction with the pregnancy.

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Management of pain requires a multidisciplinary, biopsychosocial approach. The possible presence of co-existing pathology and obstetric conditions must be borne in mind when assessing pain in pregnancy.

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Treatment of pain in pregnancy should focus on non-pharmacological interventions in the first instance with due consideration of the risk of medications to the mother, fetus and the course of the pregnancy.