Cecilia Bergström

I am a researcher with a focus on women’s health, with particular emphasis on persistent pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain. My research aims to improve understanding of why some women develop long-lasting pain after pregnancy and childbirth, and how healthcare and treatment can be better tailored to individual needs.

Within our research group, we have investigated risk factors and long-term consequences of pelvic girdle pain using questionnaire data and in-depth interviews with women up to 12 years after childbirth. By analysing psychological and clinical characteristics, we have identified clinically relevant subgroups, creating opportunities for more targeted and person-centred treatment strategies.

Since 1 July 2025, a pilot project has been underway to prepare the implementation of a prospective longitudinal study on pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain. The project focuses on methodological development, including recruitment strategies, dropout, adherence, and digital data collection using REDCap and SMS. Experiences from the pilot project are used to optimise the study design and logistics ahead of a larger project in which pregnant women are planned to be followed from gestational weeks 12–14 to week 20.

I also have experience in international research collaboration. I have previously served as data collection coordinator for Sweden and Tanzania within the international research project The Cross-Country Ultrasound Study (CROCUS), which explores midwives’ and obstetricians’ perspectives on obstetric ultrasound and the rights of pregnant women and fetuses across low-, middle-, and high-income countries.

Between 2021 and 2024, I was the project leader for the international research project “Musculoskeletal conditions in older adults – are chiropractors an underutilised resource?”. The project focused on chiropractors’ experiences of treating and managing patients aged 55 years and older with musculoskeletal conditions.