The Prevalence, Severity, and Predictive Factors of Restless Legs Syndrome in Pregnancy

Abstract

Objectives: The current study aimed to search the prevalence and severity of restless legs syndrome (RLS) in pregnancy according to the three trimesters and predictive factors of RLS in pregnancy based on validated diagnostic tools and a thorough literature review.Methods: The cross-sectional descriptive study included 500 pregnant women without comorbidities who were interviewed face-to-face. Age, height, weight, week of pregnancy, smoking, alcohol, caffeine use, regular exercise, and lab test results from the last visit were all included in the data. Only women satisfying the RLS diagnostic criteria were given the Restless Legs Syndrome Rating Scale.Results: The prevalence of RLS was found to be 29.2% with the highest rate in the third trimester (64.4%). In all trimesters, low ferritin (first trimester: p = 0.004; second trimester: p < 0.001; third trimester: p < 0.001), folic acid (first trimester: p = 0.001; second trimester: p < 0.001; third trimester: p < 0.001), vitamin B12 (first trimester: p = 0.003; second trimester: p < 0.001; third trimester: p < 0.001), and hemoglobin (first trimester: p < 0.001; second trimester: p < 0.001; third trimester: p < 0.001) levels were associated with RLS. In the second and third trimesters, low magnesium (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively) and high creatinine (p = 0.027 and p < 0.001, respectively) levels were associated with RLS. Higher thyroid-stimulating hormone and free T4 levels were associated with RLS in the third trimester but not in the first and second trimesters (median: 2.4 vs.

Sleep disorders during pregnancy - its prevalence, characteristic and neonatal implications

“…RLS might be primary (idiopathic) or secondary to pregnancy or many of systemic diseases including iron deficiency and chronic renal insufficiency. [24] The prevalence of this disorder during pregnancy varies depending on the gestational week (the highest occurrence was noticed in the third trimester) and decreases after delivery [25,26]. It is two to three times higher than in the standard population [27].…”

“…In the second and third trimesters of pregnancy low magnesium and high creatinine levels were connected with this disorder and in the third trimester the relationship between higher thyroid-stimulating hormone, higher free T4 levels and RLS was noticed. The authors also distinguished predictive factors including present and before conception Body Mass Index (BMI), gravida, low ferritin level, low vitamin B12, low folate, RLS history before conception and family history of RLS [26]. The research conducted by Shidhanie et al on Omani women indicated the significant relationship of RLS development and weight gain during pregnancy.…”