Restless legs syndrome during pregnancy

Restless legs syndrome during pregnancy (RLS) is a disease that occurs with symptoms such as tingling, itching, chills and burning in the legs. Restless legs syndrome is often not fully described by patients.

If you feel an uncontrollable urge to move your legs to get rid of a tingling or burning sensation, you probably have restless legs syndrome. It is also known as Willis-Ekbom Disease (WED). Symptoms can sometimes be severe enough to prevent you from sleeping.

In addition to affecting a large number of pregnant women, restless legs syndrome also affects men, children, and non-pregnant women. Restless legs syndrome is twice as likely to occur in women as in men. 20 percent of pregnant women experience this condition at some point during pregnancy.

Restless leg syndrome symptoms are often worsened when you sit still for long periods of time, such as at the movies, or on a long car ride, while resting, especially just before falling asleep. Symptoms of RLS are mostly felt in your lower legs. However, some women also feel it in their feet, thighs, arms, or hands.

When the area where HSB is experienced is moved, there is usually relief. However, as soon as you stop moving, the symptoms come back. This can be very uncomfortable and frustrating, especially when trying to sleep.

Is restless legs syndrome during pregnancy harmful to the baby?

RLS can definitely prevent you from getting the sleep you need, making you severely tired and less able to function during the day. But you don’t have to worry about HSB harming your pregnancy or your baby.

When does restless legs syndrome go away during pregnancy?

The good news is; For women who develop RLS during pregnancy, this condition is temporary. Symptoms are intense in most women in the third trimester and disappear completely soon after birth or after a month or so. Some women have also been known to experience symptoms for a longer period of time.

What are the causes of restless legs syndrome?

Although the causes of restless legs syndrome are not yet known, research continues. Women who had HSD before pregnancy often experience more severe symptoms of HSD during pregnancy.

No one knows why women who did not have RLS before pregnancy develop this disease during pregnancy. However, according to some theories, the causes of restless legs syndrome are:

  • Iron deficiency,
  • Folate deficiency,
  • Hormonal changes (especially an increase in estrogen)
  • Circulation changes.
restless legs syndrome during pregnancy

Restless legs syndrome during pregnancy: what to avoid

Women with HSD during pregnancy should stay away from the things mentioned below.

  • Even small amounts of caffeine can make HSB symptoms worse.
  • Smoking is not good for you or your baby, and it can also trigger RLS.
  • Certain medications, such as the antihistamines in cold and allergy medications, make symptoms worse for some women.
  • Lying in bed and reading a book or watching TV before going to sleep can make the situation worse. The longer you lie still, the more likely it is that HSD will occur. Instead, go to bed when you’re really ready to go to sleep.

By the way, it should be noted that most drugs used in the treatment of RLS are not recommended during pregnancy.

What is good for restless legs syndrome during pregnancy?

There are some methods that alleviate restless legs syndrome during pregnancy. You can alleviate the symptoms of HSB with various stretching and yoga movements, exercises and muscle work.

Exercise and muscle work

  • You can alleviate the symptoms of RLS by exercising regularly.
  • If it’s getting in the way of your sleep, a little walking around can help.
  • Contracting the area suffering from RLS at regular intervals can help you relax.

Stretching and yoga

  • Do yoga for 10-20 minutes before going to sleep at night.
  • If the HSB is on your legs, do leg stretches.
  • If HSD prevents you from sleeping, getting up and doing yoga movements for large muscle groups for 5-10 minutes relieves HSD.
  • “The only relief is that I get up and do some yoga stretches, stretching my whole leg from hips to toes.”

Massage

Some women say that massage at regular intervals relieves HSD. It’s worth a try.

Hot application

A hot or warm shower can be good for your restless legs syndrome. You can try putting a hot water bag on the area with HSB.

Cold application

Placing your feet in a bowl of ice can alleviate HSD. You can also try washing your head with cold water.

Orgasm

Some women say that their HSD symptoms are relieved by the relief that comes when they have an orgasm.

Benefits of Eating Bananas During Pregnancy

Banana

Bananas are known to be good for women who experience restless legs syndrome during pregnancy. You can eat bananas, one in the morning and one in the evening.

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, you can also try other potassium-rich nutrients.

Vitamin supplements

Calcium and magnesium supplements may be good for RLS.

Some studies have shown that iron supplements provide relief from HSB in those with iron deficiency. Consult your doctor about trying supplements such as magnesium, iron, vitamin B12, vitamin D, or folate. Depending on your amount of prenatal vitamins, your doctor may or may not want you to take more. Check with your doctor before taking any supplements while pregnant.

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