Frequency and Associated Factors of Restless-Leg Syndrome in PregnantWomen During the Third Trimester

Abstract

Background: Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a prevalent neurological disorder particularly common among pregnant women, especially in the third trimester. It significantly impairs sleep and quality of life during pregnancy. Understanding how often RLS occurs and what factors contribute to its development in this population is crucial for guiding effective clinical management and improving maternal health outcomes.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of RLS and explore associated risk factors among women in their third trimester of pregnancy attending Shalamar Hospital in Lahore.

Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited 46 third-trimester pregnant women from the outpatient obstetrics and gynecology department. Eligible participants were between 18 and 40 years old, had singleton pregnancies, and provided informed consent. A structured questionnaire was administered to collect demographic data, obstetric history, lifestyle information, psychosocial stress levels, and RLS symptoms, which were assessed according to the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group (IRLSSG) criteria. Additionally, serum ferritin levels were measured to evaluate iron status. SPSS version 25 was used for statistical analysis, applying descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, t-tests, and multivariate logistic regression to identify significant associations.

Results: The prevalence of RLS was found to be 43.5%. Among those diagnosed, 50% experienced mild symptoms, 40% reported moderate symptoms, and 10% had severe symptoms. A statistically significant association was observed between low serum ferritin levels (less than 30 µg/L) and the presence of RLS, with 75% of affected women showing low iron levels compared to 30.8% of those without RLS (p = 0.001). Physical inactivity was also more common among women with RLS, with 60% engaging in physical activity only 0–1 days per week, compared to 30.8% in the non-RLS group (p = 0.021). Interestingly, caffeine consumption was lower in the RLS group, with 40% consuming only 0–1 cups per day, compared to 57.7% among non-RLS participants (p = 0.032). While higher stress levels were noted in the RLS group, this difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusion: This study highlights a high prevalence of RLS in third-trimester pregnant women and identifies low serum ferritin levels, reduced physical activity, and lower caffeine intake as significant associated factors. These findings underscore the importance of routine screening for RLS and iron deficiency during prenatal visits, as well as promoting lifestyle interventions to manage RLS symptoms effectively and enhance maternal well-being.