How to Relieve Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) Symptoms During Pregnancy
Medically reviewed by Peter Weiss, MDMedically reviewed by Peter Weiss, MDRestless legs syndrome (RLS), or Willis-Ekbom disease, affects about one-third of pregnant people and peaks in the third trimester. RLS causes uncomfortable sensations in the legs that feel like twitching, aching, tingling, crawling, or pulling. The condition causes a strong urge to move the legs for relief.While it usually affects both lower legs, RLS can also occur in the upper legs, one leg, or even the arms. Symptoms typically start after long periods of stillness, like sitting in a car, watching a movie, or lying down at night, making it hard to sleep.
Oscar Wong / Getty Images
Immediate Steps to Take for RLS While PregnantHere are some immediate self-care steps to relieve RLS:Apply a heating pad to your legsElevate your legs with pillows Massage your legs Shake or stretch your legs, or walk around if this doesn't helpTake a warm bath or shower (keep them under 15 minutes during pregnancy)Use a cool pack or take a cool showerUse vibration pads on the back of the legs (vibrations help distract the nervous system)Additional self-care measures that can help lessen RLS symptoms include:Avoiding triggers like caffeine, alcohol, sugar, and nicotine (always avoid alcohol and nicotine during pregnancy, regardless of RLS)Engaging in mild to moderate exercise for at least 30 minutes dailyGetting a massage to increase circulationUsing foot wraps specifically for RLS reliefIf these measures don't help, ask your provider about a pneumatic compression device. It improves circulation by gently squeezing and releasing your legs with inflatable cuffs, mimicking muscle movement during walking.
Related: What Is Restless Legs Syndrome?
How to Sleep Better With RLS During Pregnancy Getting enough sleep during pregnancy is important, but restless legs syndrome can make it challenging. Here are some tips for better sleep:Create a cozy sleep environment: Keep your room dark, quiet, and cool, and ensure your bed is comfortable.Exercise: Stay active, but avoid exercising close to bedtime.Limit stimulants: Avoid screens an hour before bed, and limit caffeine. Never use alcohol or nicotine during pregnancy.Manage stress: Try yoga, meditation, or deep breathing.Set a routine: Sleep and wake at the same time daily, and try calming activities like reading or taking a warm bath before bed.Stretch: Stretch your calves and thighs before bed.Use pillows: Elevate your legs with pillows, or use U- or C-shaped pillows for support while sleeping on your side.
Related: 5 Natural Remedies for Pregnancy Insomnia
RLS in Different Trimesters of Pregnancy Many people experience RLS for the first time during pregnancy. One study found that nearly 30% of pregnant people develop RLS, and the prevalence peaks in the third trimester. The study also broke down the percentages of those affected by RLS in each trimester, revealing the following pattern: 4.8% in the first trimester30.8% in the second trimester64.4% in the third trimesterPrepregnancy risk factors for RLS include:Age (risk for RLS increases with age)A personal or family history of RLSHaving obesitySmoking and alcohol use During pregnancy, risk factors include:Drinking more than one cup of coffee or caffeinated tea dailyHaving obesityHigh creatinine (indicates kidney strain)Lack of physical activityLow folic acid, vitamin B12, and magnesium Low iron or ferritin (the protein that stores iron)MigrainesMultiple parity (the amount of times you have given birth)Preeclampsia (a serious blood pressure condition)Thyroid hormone imbalances
Iron DeficiencyIron deficiency is a common cause of RLS because the body requires more iron for both the pregnant person and the fetus during pregnancy. Those who have given birth more than once are more likely to have low iron, as their bodies may not fully replenish their iron levels between pregnancies.
Related: Week-to-Week Pregnancy Timeline
Symptom Onset and Duration RLS often starts mildly and becomes more noticeable as pregnancy progresses, but it typically resolves a few weeks after childbirth. Some people continue to experience RLS, especially if they had it before pregnancy or have conditions like nerve damage, diabetes, or multiple sclerosis.Those who experience RLS during pregnancy are at a higher risk of developing it in future pregnancies and are 3 to 4 times more likely to develop it later in life. Effects on Pregnancy and Delivery RLS can disrupt sleep, leading to fatigue, irritability, and stress. Insufficient sleep slows reaction times, drains energy, and makes daily tasks more challenging, leaving pregnant people exhausted and unable to function. Inadequate sleep can also increase the risk of accidents or errors in everyday activities.Studies also show a link between RLS, especially with sleep deprivation, and higher rates of:Cesarean sectionDepressionGestational diabetes (increased glucose levels that occur during pregnancy)Gestational hypertension (high blood pressure during pregnancy)PreeclampsiaPreterm birthPoor sleep from RLS can also increase the risk of health problems like heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure (hypertension), diabetes, and stroke. Additionally, it can adversely affect fertility and the immune system.Pregnancy-Friendly Medications to Treat RSLLow iron is linked to RLS, so your healthcare provider may recommend iron supplementation to manage your symptoms if you have low iron. In more severe cases of RLS that are not managed by lifestyle changes or supplementation, your healthcare provider may work with specialists, like pain specialists or neurologists, to determine an appropriate and safe medication.There are serious risks associated with prescription medications for RLS during pregnancy, and providers prescribe them conservatively. However, in severe cases, they may consider prescribing medications within the following drug classes in the lowest dose possible and for a short duration:Opioids, such as Oxaydo (oxycodone), Darvocet (propoxyphene), Conzip (tramadol)Benzodiazepines, such as Klonopin (cloneazepam), Restoril (temazepam) and Halcion (triazolam)Antiepileptics, such as Neurontin (gabapentin)
Is Gabapentin Safe During Pregnancy? Neurontin (gabapentin) is a common RLS treatment in nonpregnant people. However, due to limited safety data, it's not the first choice for RLS treatment during pregnancy. Providers may consider gabapentin for severe RLS that does not respond to other therapies, particularly in later trimesters.
Type of Provider That Oversees RLS TreatmentIf you experience RLS during pregnancy, your obstetrician (OB) should be your first point of contact. They can evaluate your symptoms, check for underlying issues like iron deficiency or medication side effects, and suggest safe treatment options. If your RLS is severe or doesn't improve with initial treatments, your OB may refer you to a neurologist or sleep specialist for more advanced care.Summary During pregnancy, restless legs syndrome (RLS) causes uncomfortable leg sensations like twitching, aching, tingling, crawling, or pulling, making it difficult to sleep. These sensations trigger a strong urge to move the legs for temporary relief. You can try self-care strategies for relief.Healthcare providers may recommend iron supplements or prescribe certain medications during the second and third trimesters. With the proper care and support, you can find relief from RLS and focus on enjoying your pregnancy. Read the original article on Verywell Health.
Welcome to Billionaire Club Co LLC, your gateway to a brand-new social media experience! Sign up today and dive into over 10,000 fresh daily articles and videos curated just for your enjoyment. Enjoy the ad free experience, unlimited content interactions, and get that coveted blue check verification—all for just $1 a month!
Account Frozen
Your account is frozen. You can still view content but cannot interact with it.
Please go to your settings to update your account status.
Open Profile Settings