If you feel an uncontrollable urge to move your legs to relieve crawling, tingling, or burning sensations, you probably have restless legs syndrome (RLS). It's also known as Willis-Ekbom Disease (WED). Symptoms can be mild or severe enough to keep you from getting the rest you need. Show You're not alone. In addition to affecting a good number of pregnant women, RLS affects men, children, and women who aren't pregnant. Women experience RLS twice as often as men, and 20 percent of women experience it at some point in pregnancy. Symptoms usually get worse when you're at rest, especially right before you fall asleep or when you've been sitting still for long periods, such as at the movies or during a long car ride. Most of the time, you'll feel the symptoms of RLS in your lower legs, but some women feel it in their feet, thighs, arms, or hands, too. Moving your limbs brings immediate relief, but the sensations return when you stop moving. Needless to say, this can be very uncomfortable and frustrating, especially when you're trying to sleep. Is RLS bad for my pregnancy?RLS can certainly keep you from getting the sleep you need, leaving you seriously fatigued and less able to function well during the day. But no, you don't need to worry about RLS harming your pregnancy or your baby. When will RLS go away?Fortunately for women who develop RLS during pregnancy, it's temporary. The symptoms typically peak during the third trimester and disappear altogether by the time you deliver your baby or a month or so afterward. Some women experience symptoms for longer, though. What causes restless legs syndrome?No single cause has been identified, but research is ongoing. And it seems to run in families. For women who already have RLS, it usually gets worse during pregnancy. No one knows why women who've never had RLS develop it during pregnancy, but there are a number of theories, including: iron deficiency, folate deficiency, hormonal changes (specifically a rise in estrogen), and circulatory changes. Are there things that make restless legs syndrome worse?Things to avoid
By the way, most drugs used to treat RLS are not recommended during pregnancy. Does anything help RLS in pregnancy?Many BabyCenter moms-to-be have been in this boat. Here are their best tips for getting relief from the discomfort of RLS. Exercise & muscle work
Stretching and yoga
Relaxation techniques Editor's note: For more ideas, see our article on relaxation techniques for better pregnancy sleep.
Massage
Heat
Cold
Old wives' tales?
Orgasm
Bananas
Editor's note: Bananas are an excellent source of potassium, which plays an important role in sending nerve impulses and helping your muscles contract. If you don't like bananas, there are plenty of other great food sources. And they're good for you even if they don't calm your restless legs. See our list of potassium-rich foods. Vitamin supplements
Editor's note: Some studies have shown iron supplements provide relief from RLS in those who are iron-deficient. Ask your doctor or midwife about trying supplements such as magnesium, iron, vitamin B12, vitamin D, or folate. Depending on the quantities in your prenatal vitamin, your practitioner may or may not want you to take more. Consult your doctor before taking any supplements while pregnant. Try, try again!
RLS is one problem that can make it nearly impossible to sleep. Nausea, leg cramps, and heartburn or indigestion are other culprits. Read our tips for getting comfortable in bed when you're pregnant. Learn more: |