Reproductive hormones and aminoterminal propeptide of type III procollagenin serum as early markers of pelvic pain during late pregnancy

OBJECTIVE: The object was to study serum concentrations of reproductive hor mones and aminoterminal propeptide of type III procollagen in early pregnan cy as markers of pelvic pain (sacral pain or symphyseal pain) during later pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective, clinical cohort study was performed, with repe ated examinations of 200 women. RESULTS: Serum concentrations of relaxin and serum concentrations of propep tide of type III procollagen (a collagen turnover marker) measured in early pregnancy were significantly correlated with pelvic pain with onset during pregnancy and reported in late pregnancy (positively and negatively, respe ctively). In a multi-variate analysis, relaxin and propeptide of type III p rocollagen concentrations remained independently and significantly correlat ed with pelvic pain. CONCLUSION: Serum concentrations of relaxin and propeptide of type III proc ollagen measured in early pregnancy may reflect the cause of and indicate a n increased risk of pelvic pain (back pain or symphyseal pain) during late pregnancy. The mechanism is unclear.