Aim: To evaluate the clinical characteristics of pregnant women with restless leg syndrome (RLS).
Materials and methods: A total of 600 pregnant women were asked to complete a questionnaire of RLS and medications.
Results: The educational and socio-economical status was significantly lower in study group. The number of patients living in joint family in the study group was statistically higher compared to control group. Hypothyroidism was more frequent in the study group. Calcium and magnesium intake were significantly higher in patients with RLS inversely iron intake was higher in patients without RLS. Lower hemoglobin levels were found to increase the risk of restless leg in pregnancy. Living in a joint family and low educational status were also independent risk factors for restless leg in pregnancy. Iron intake was found to decrease the risk of restless leg. Lower hemoglobin levels were found to be discriminative factor for the presence of RLS. Severity of RLS decreased by iron intake and increased by magnesium intake.
Conclusion: Hemoglobin levels, iron intake, living in joint family, educational status are the independent risk factors for restless leg in pregnancy. Lower hemoglobin levels and supplementation of iron are the independent predictors for severity of RLS in pregnant women.
Keywords: Hemoglobin levels; pregnancy; restless leg syndrome.