Prevalence of Compression Neuropathies during Pregnancy

Abstract

It is common perception that Pakistani women suffering from compression neuropathies during pregnancies which may lead to functional limitations. Objective: To find the frequency of common neuropathies during pregnancy, nerves commonly involved and common causes of compression neuropathies. Methods: This was a cross sectional study. Duration of the
study was 3 months after approval of synopsis. Convenient sampling was used. This study was conducted at private hospitals of Lahore (Iqra Medical Complex, Saira Memorial hospital and UOL teaching Hospital). Inclusion criteria were women of 30-45 years, women with symptoms of neuropathy, primigravidas and Multigravidas women were included. Exclusion criteria were women who so not fit in above age group, women having any surgical intervention before conception and having any trauma. A Performa was used for each patient, which was filled out based on their symptoms. Statistical analysis was done by using SPSS 17. Results: From the data of 35 multigravida pregnant women, compression of sciatic nerve and median nerve are common during 3rd trimester. The increased body weight during pregnancy involved during pregnancy in multigravida  women. The compression neuropathies occur commonly in 3rd trimester of pregnancy. The increase weight during pregnancy, poor economic status and bad posture are significant causes of compression neuropathies.