Abstract

Background: Leg muscle cramps (LMCs) and sleep disorders are a common problem during pregnancy, and may be correlated. Objectives: The aims of this study were to determine the features of LMCs and sleep quality as well as their association in the third trimester of pregnancy. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 439 pregnant women referred to health centers/posts of Tabriz, Iran, in 2014. The participants were selected through double stage cluster sampling method. Data were collected by using a socio-demographic questionnaire, Pittsburgh sleep quality index and leg muscle cramp characteristics questionnaire. Chi-square, Independent t, Pearson and Spearman correlation and Mann-Whitney U tests were used for data analysis. Results: The mean ± SD total sleep quality score was 8.8 ± 3.9, within a possible score range of 0 to 21. About 84 of the women had sleep quality disturbances. LMCs were observed in more than half of the participants and there was a statistically significant correlation between the occurrence of LMCs and total sleep quality score (P = 0.001) and sub domains of sleep disturbances and daytime dysfunction (P < 0.001). There was also a significant relationship between occurrence of sleep quality disturbances and occurrence of LMCs (P = 0.006). Conclusions: The present studyshowedthat leg musclecrampsandsleep disorder arecommonduring pregnancyandsleep quality disturbances are correlated with occurrence of leg muscle cramps. Prevention and treatment actions should be considered in the prenatal care. © 2019, Author(s).