Prevalence of Compression Neuropathies During Pregnancy

Abstract Background: It is a common perception that Pakistani women suffer from compression neuropathies during pregnancies which may lead to functional limitations. To know the frequency of common neuropathies during pregnancy, nerves commonly involved and common causes of compression neuropathies. Methodology: The design of this study was 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). A total of 35 female pregnant women were evaluated for s igns and symptoms of compression neuropathies. A Performa was used for each patient, which was fillrdlled out based on their symptoms. Results: Data from the 35 multigravida pregnant women, compression of sciatic nerve and median nerve are common during the 3rd trimester. The increased body weight during pregnancy and bad posture are significant causes. Among them,51.42% took physiotherapy treatment.Conclusion: The result of this study showed that compression of sciatic and median nerves are most commonly involved during pregnancy in multigravida women. The compression neuropathies occur commonly in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy. The increased weight during pregnancy, poor economic status and bad posture are significant causes of compression neuropathies. Keywords: Neuropathy, Prevalence, Pregnancy