Frequency and Associated Factors of Restless Leg Syndrome in Pregnant Women During the Third Trimester

Abstract

Background: Restless-Leg Syndrome (RLS) is a common neurological disorder that affects a significant proportion of pregnant women, particularly during the third trimester. This condition can severely impact the quality of life and sleep of expectant mothers. Understanding the prevalence and associated factors of RLS in this population is crucial for developing effective management strategies.

Objective: The study aimed to investigate the frequency of RLS and identify the associated factors among pregnant women during their third trimester at Shalamar Hospital, Lahore.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 46 pregnant women in their third trimester who were recruited from the obstetrics and gynecology outpatient department of Shalamar Hospital. Participants were selected based on inclusion criteria that required them to be aged between 18 and 40 years, with a singleton pregnancy, and willing to provide informed consent. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire that captured demographic information, obstetric history, lifestyle factors, psychosocial variables, and the presence and severity of RLS symptoms based on the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group (IRLSSG) criteria. Serum ferritin levels were measured to assess iron status. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, employing descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, t-tests, and multivariate logistic regression to identify significant associations.

Results: The prevalence of RLS among the study participants was 43.5%. Among those with RLS, 50% reported mild symptoms, 40% moderate, and 10% severe. A significant association was found between low serum ferritin levels (<30 µg/L) and RLS, with 75% of RLS participants having low ferritin levels compared to 30.8% of those without RLS (p=0.001). Physical inactivity was higher among RLS sufferers, with 60% engaging in physical activity 0-1 days per week versus 30.8% in the non-RLS group (p=0.021). Caffeine consumption was also lower among RLS participants, with 40% consuming 0-1 cups per day compared to 57.7% in the non-RLS group (p=0.032). Stress levels were higher in the RLS group, although this was not statistically significant.

Conclusion: The study identified a high prevalence of RLS in pregnant women during their third trimester, with significant associations with low serum ferritin levels, low physical activity, and dietary habits. These findings suggest the need for routine screening for RLS and iron deficiency, as well as lifestyle modifications to manage RLS symptoms effectively in this population.