THE PREVALENCE AND SEVERITY OF RESTLESS LEG SYNDROMES AND ITS IMPACT ON YOUNG PREGNANT FEMALES

OBJECTIVE: This study examines the prevalence of Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) among pregnant women and evaluates its effects on maternal health. It emphasizes the importance of physiotherapy in addressing the challenges posed by this condition.INTRODUCTION: Pregnancy represents a unique physiological state that increases susceptibility to RLS, a condition that significantly disrupts sleep, mental well-being, and physical functionality. The interplay between RLS symptoms and maternal health highlights the need for comprehensive investigations. This study seeks to quantify the prevalence of RLS among pregnant women and examine its implications for maternal health, contributing to the body of knowledge on this underrecognized condition.METHOD AND MATERIAL: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 258 pregnant women aged 18–35 years, recruited from obstetric care facilities. Diagnosis of RLS was established using the Cambridge-Hopkins Restless Legs Syndrome Questionnaire and symptom severity evaluated via the International Restless Legs Syndrome Rating Scale. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software to identify prevalence rates, symptom severity, and associated sociodemographic and clinical factors.RESULT: In a study of 258 pregnant participants, 65.5% were diagnosed with Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS). Symptoms were reported in various contexts: 7% felt them only while sitting, 28.7% only while lying, and 29.8% in both positions. Symptom severity varied, with 20.5% experiencing extreme distress, 26.7% moderate distress, 6.6% mild distress, and 11.6% no distress. Frequency over the past year included daily (22.9%), 4-5 times weekly (30.2%), and 2-3 times weekly (12.4%), highlighting RLS as a pervasive and distressing issue during pregnancy.CONCLUSION: RLS represents a substantial, yet underrecognized, contributor to maternal morbidity during pregnancy. This study underscores the imperative for heightened clinical awareness and systematic screening protocols to mitigate its deleterious effects on maternal health outcomes. Further investigation into non-pharmacological management strategies, including physiotherapeutic interventions, is warranted to enhance care delivery for affected populations.