How To Stop Restless Leg Syndrome While Pregnant

Do Compression Socks Help With Restless Legs

Restless Leg Syndrome During Pregnancy: How to Cope

Put on socks with compression.When used as a treatment for restless leg syndrome, wearing compression socks has a number of advantages, including increasing blood flow and massaging the muscles in the legs.Even a relatively low amount of graded pressure in the range of 15-20 mmHg compression can assist people who suffer from restless leg syndrome with some degree of relaxation and benefit.

Why Does Restless Legs Happen In Pregnancy

Your body is doing amazing things during pregnancy and sometimes that comes with annoying side effects such as Restless Legs Syndrome.

Did you know that one study published in the Journal of Midwifery and Womens Health found that twenty-six percent of women will be affected by restless leg syndrome during pregnancy ?

Though it can happen any time in pregnancy, it is most common during the third trimester.

Why Cant I Sleep Pregnant

It is normal to experience difficulty sleeping at any time during pregnancy however, many women who are expecting begin to experience insomnia beginning in the second or third trimester. This is because other pregnancy symptoms increase during these stages, and a growing baby belly makes it harder than ever to get comfortable in bed.

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Tip : Get Daily Exercise

Daily activity, including aerobic exercise and lower-body resistance training, can significantly reduce the symptoms of restless legs syndrome in most people. Choose activities you enjoy, especially those that emphasize using the legs. Try to exercise for at least 30 minutes on most days, although not too close to bed time.

The exercise doesnt need to be intense. Simple daily activities such as walking can often deliver all the benefits youre looking for. In fact, highly vigorous exerciselike training for a marathoncan sometimes backfire and make RLS symptoms worse.

What Does Restless Legs Syndrome Mean For My Pregnancy And Baby

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There is no need to worry about RLS harming your baby or causing problems for your pregnancy. Your doctor or midwife will likely want to check your iron and folate levels. If either of those are found to be low, they may suggest that you take a supplement. If your restless legs arent caused by a deficiency, theyre simply an irritation to you and not a danger to your baby.

Thats not to say that there are no effects from having to deal with restless legs syndrome. Your general mood and emotional state may be affected during the times that your body feels uncomfortable and agitated. RLS may make it hard to sleep, which can leave you even more exhausted than pregnancy typically does. A lack of sleep at night may make your daytime self less efficient, feel like youre in a fog, or can lead to general irritability.

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Can I Prevent Rls

Unfortunately, theres no scientifically proven way to prevent RLS, Grundland says. The good news is that it usually resolves when you deliver your baby. Although, she adds, if you experienced RLS during your pregnancy, theres a slight chance it may resurface later in life.

The only thing you can do if you discover you have RLS is to make yourself as comfortable as possible.

Treat yourself. Get the foot rubs, buy the pregnancy pillow, find the worlds most comfortable pyjamasdo what you can to make it more bearable, Patterson recommends. And know that its not forever.

Pattersons daughter is now 17 weeks, and happily its the baby, not her restless legs, whos keeping her up at night.

Read more:

What Are The Symptoms Of Restless Legs Syndrome

The main symptom is the overwhelming urge to move your legs. But you may also have uncomfortable and unpleasant sensations in your legs. Some people describe these as:

  • tingling
  • a creepy-crawly sensation, like ants moving up and down the legs
  • like fizzy water in the veins.

These sensations are often worse just below the knee and can sometimes be painful.

Your symptoms may be worse when youre resting and may feel better when you move. They may be worse in the evening or at night.

Restless legs syndrome can be very frustrating, but it should not affect your health or pregnancy. However, it can make it more difficult to get a good nights sleep. A lack of sleep wont hurt your baby, but it can make your day-to-day life a bit more difficult. We have some tips that may help you sleep better.

Restless legs syndrome caused by pregnancy usually develops during the third trimester . At this point, sleeping on your side is the safest thing to do for your baby because research shows it can reduce the risk of stillbirth.

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Genetics And Lifestyle Factors

  • Genetics: About half of those with RLS also have a family member with RLS, so genetics are a likely factor.
  • Lower socio-economic status: Those with a lower socio-economic status are more prone to RLS. Researchers arent sure why, though it likely has to do with access to nutrient-rich foods that can help prevent restless leg syndrome.
  • Obesity and weight gain. Excess weight gain in pregnancy increases the chance of developing restless leg syndrome.

Natural Ways To Combat Rls During Pregnancy

Natural Treatments and Remedies For Restless Leg Syndrome.

There are ways to soothe restless legs without any drugs. You can make slight lifestyle changes, such as cutting back on caffeine, exercising daily, and doing whatever you can to regain a normal sleep schedule.

But, I’ve also tried every non-drug solution under the sun and found these 5 natural treatments to be very effective.

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Tips For When You Wake Up With Restless Legs

If you wake up with restless legs, you might like to try the following to alleviate the symptoms, and hopefully, get back to sleep:

  • Massage your legs with magnesium spray or cream
  • Use warm or cold compresses on your leg muscles
  • Have a warm bath
  • Drink some water or herbal teas. Check out our article about helpful varieties of tea during pregnancy.
  • Stretch your legs, and walk around
  • Try distracting yourself with a book or activity

For most women who develop Restless Leg Syndrome during pregnancy, its only temporary.

Unfortunately, it might be one of those things you have to live with, but usually, it peaks in the last month of pregnancy and disappears not long after the birth of your baby.

If RLS is causing you to struggle due to lack of sleep, speak to your care provider.

The TRUTH About Natural Birth

Restless leg syndrome affects about one in five women during pregnancy. RSL is the feeling of needing to move the legs while at rest, and the feeling is relieved by the movement. It is often worse in the last trimester of pregnancy and improves after delivery. For some women it is only a minor discomfort but for other women it can be very disruptive.

Most women will experience RLS for the first time in pregnancy, although women who have had it prior to pregnancy are more likely to have it during pregnancy. The cause of RLS is not clear. Low iron levels is also said to predispose to RLS. It may also be more common in some families.

Performing Regular Calf Stretches

Stretching the calf muscle may help to prevent or alleviate cramping sensations associated with RLS.

Below are some steps for performing a calf stretch:

  • Stand facing a wall, with one foot in front of the other, and both heels flat against the floor.
  • Lean towards the wall, keeping the back leg straight, and keeping both heels flat against the floor. A person should be able to feel a strong pull down the calf of their back leg.
  • Hold the position for 2030 seconds.
  • Repeat the exercise three times on each leg.
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    Avoid These Before Bed

    When it comes to what not to consume, Dr. Berkowski lists the four things you should avoid to help ease your RLS symptoms:

    • Nicotine.
    • Caffeine.

    These products are all known to trigger RLS symptoms, Dr. Berkowski says.

    Additionally, if you have wheat or dairy allergies but still consume those products, that could also be a source of trouble. What and dairy allergies can cause inflammation which, in turn, cause issues with iron absorption, says Dr. Berkowski, so its something to keep in mind.

    How Can Women Lower Restless Legs Risk While Pregnant

    Natural relief from pregnancy restless leg syndrome

    Getting rest when your limbs feel creepy-crawly can be a challenge, but sleep is essential for a healthy pregnancy and delivery. Thankfully, there are some steps that expecting women can take to lower risk and improve symptoms. If simple measures dont improve symptoms, there are some supplements and medications your health care provider can recommend.

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    How Can I Stop The Rls In Pregnancy

  • Try to avoid the intake of coffee, soda, or other caffeinated beverages.
  • Stay active and exercise daily.
  • Sleep well and in routine.
  • Apply heat.
  • Disclaimer: All content found on our website is published for informational and/or educational purposes only not intended to serve or offer any form of professional/competent advice. We put in every effort to ensure that all information is just, accurate, fool-proof, useful, and updated but do not assume responsibility or liability, to loss or risk, personal or otherwise, incurred as a consequence of information provided. Parenthoodbliss may earn commissions from affiliate links in the content.

    Restless Legs Syndrome In Pregnancy Heres What To Do

    Restless legs syndrome in pregnancy can make it hard to get a good nights sleep. The third trimester hits. And while youre pretty keen on catching some Zs, your legs seem to have other ideas. They want to leap up and dance!

    So whats going on here? Do we know what causes restless legs during pregnancy? And what can we do when our legs want to dance to their own tune?

    Lets take a look.

    In this article:

    • What is restless legs syndrome?
    • What causes restless legs syndrome in pregnancy?
    • How is restless legs syndrome diagnosed?
    • How to help restless legs syndrome during pregnancy
    • Does restless legs syndrome stop once youve given birth?

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    What Causes Restless Leg In Pregnancy

    However, pregnancy can result in a combination of low iron levels and high estrogen levels. It is most likely this combination that produces higher levels of RLS in pregnant women than in non-pregnant women. Dr. Kukafka estimates that around twenty percent of pregnant women will get RLS at some point throughout their pregnancy.

    Does Anxiety Cause Restless Legs

    Restless Leg Syndrome evidence based treatment

    Here are some common restless legs triggers, plus tips to help you overcome them and get some sleep: Stress and anxiety. Rachel Salas, MD, an assistant professor of neurology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, says that stress and anxiety are big restless legs triggers.

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    Periodic Limb Movements In Sleep

    Up to 80% of people with restless legs syndrome also have periodic limb movements in sleep .

    If you have PLMS, your leg will jerk or twitch uncontrollably, usually at night while you’re asleep. The movements are brief and repetitive, and usually occur every 10 to 60 seconds.

    PLMS can be severe enough to wake up both you and your partner. The involuntary leg movements can also occur when you’re awake and resting.

    Warm Compresses Can Be Soothing

    Heated or cooled pads, often used to relieve swelling caused by injuries and other conditions, have a long history as a home remedy. Dr. Berkowski says they can be effective by creating a new sensation for the brain to process, reducing the uncomfortable sensation produced by restless legs syndrome.

    You can buy an inexpensive cold or warm compress at a store, but the simplest way to make one is to soak fabric in cold or warm water and place it against your skin.

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    When Does Restless Legs Syndrome Start During Pregnancy

    Although you might notice RLS more at night, it can strike any time when you’re lying or sitting down. Most of the time you wont experience it until later in your pregnancy, during the third trimester.

    Unfortunately, the usual treatments for leg cramps flexing and stretching may not work, and prescription medications that might relieve the restlessness may be off-limits during pregnancy.

    Tips For Coping With Restless Legs Syndrome

    Pin on Restless leg syndrome

    Learning to recognize and avoid your personal triggers can help you manage RLS over time.

    Effective techniques for minimizing RLS symptoms vary from person to person. Many people find relief from keeping active throughout the day and using acupuncture, massage, stretching, or relaxation techniques at night. During the day, you may be able to ward off RLS symptoms by keeping your mind busy even when you are sitting still with activities like reading or chatting to a friend.

    Though RLS is not life-threatening, the frustration of not being able to sleep well can take a toll on mental health. Cognitive behavioral therapy, support groups, or reaching out to family and friends may provide additional emotional resources for coping with RLS.

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    Sleep Hygiene For Restless Legs Syndrome

    Sleep hygiene is important, as tiredness makes symptoms worse.

    Tips include:

    • Sleeping in a cool, quiet bedroom.
    • Going to bed at the same time every night, and getting up at the same time every morning.
    • Reduce the amount of light you are exposed to for an hour before bed.
    • Avoid stimulating drinks, such as caffeine or sugar.
    • Avoiding or reducing alcohol consumption and tobacco.

    Exercise and physical activity can help RLS, but it can also aggravate it. Most patients find moderate exercise helpful, but too much can make symptoms worse. Working out late in the evening may also be unhelpful.

    Restless Legs In Pregnancy

    Restless leg syndrome affects about one in five women during pregnancy. RSL is the feeling of needing to move the legs while at rest, and the feeling is relieved by the movement. It is often worse in the last trimester of pregnancy and improves after delivery. For some women it is only a minor discomfort but for other women it can be very disruptive.

    Most women will experience RLS for the first time in pregnancy, although women who have had it prior to pregnancy are more likely to have it during pregnancy. The cause of RLS is not clear. Low iron levels is also said to predispose to RLS. It may also be more common in some families.

    RLS is one of the most common reason of sleep disturbance during pregnancy . It can affect getting to sleep and also staying asleep. Poor sleep quality may lead daytime sleepiness and poor daytime function, and mood disorders.

    RLS usually increases in frequency and severity as pregnancy progresses, peaking about 30-36 weeks gestation. For most women, it will resolve completely or mostly immediately after delivery.

    A pregnancy woman with RLS will give a typical story of

    • an urge to move her legs, sometimes with an uncomfortable feeling in the legs
    • the urge is worse with rest
    • it increases at night
    • it is relieved by activity or movement

    If these features are described no further tests are required to make the diagnosis, although iron studies may be made to exclude underlying anaemia as a cause.

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    Natural Remedies For Restless Legs Syndrome During Pregnancy

    How much is enough?The IRLSSG recommends taking 325 milligrams of ferrous sulfate daily with 250-500 mg of vitamin C on an empty stomach plus 1,000 micrograms of folate, found in many prenatal vitamins.Get your iron and folic acid levels checked as soon as you get pregnant and then every month for the next three months, Hensley says. Dont continue taking iron if you dont need it, because it could lead to iron toxicity, which could interfere with your babys development.”2. Go into pregnancy at an ideal weight.Women who are obese or have excess belly fat before pregnancy are at higher risk of developing restless legs syndrome, according to a 2009 Harvard study conducted on more than 80,000 people with RLS.Women used to think they needed to gain 25-35 pounds during pregnancy, but 5 pounds is enough, says Brad Douglas, an OB-GYN with St. Marys Hospital in Richmond, Va.”If youre already overweight or obese, you shouldnt gain any weight, especially if you have RLS.

    Finding ways to live with restless legs syndrome instead of fighting it can also reduce symptoms, says the RLS Foundation, which offers these tips:

    For more expert advice and information, visit our .

    How Do You Get Rid Of Restless Legs In Early Pregnancy

    Restless Leg Syndrome Treatment Stop Symptoms Causes

    Restless legs syndrome is a condition that causes an uncontrollable urge to move your legs. It can be very uncomfortable and make it hard to get to sleep. Pregnant women are especially at risk for restless legs syndrome because of the changes their bodies are going through.

    Here are a few ways to get relief from restless legs syndrome in early pregnancy:

  • Take regular breaks during the day to move your legs around. This can help get the blood flowing and relieve some of the symptoms.
  • Elevate your feet when youre sitting or lying down. This will also help improve circulation.
  • Get regular exercise, especially if youre inactive otherwise. Exercise can help improve blood flow and reduce symptoms of RLS.
  • Try taking a warm bath before bedtime. The heat may relax your muscles and help you sleep better.
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    Is It Safe To Treat Restless Legs Syndrome During Pregnancy

    When treating RLS in pregnant patients, however, the treating physician has a responsibility to take into account how the medicine may affect the developing fetus, particularly the risk of congenital abnormalities.There have only been a few of controlled research on RLS in pregnant women.As a direct consequence of this, the majority of the data supporting the efficacy of therapies comes from individual case studies or limited case series.

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