WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

How to Soothe Restless Legs Syndrome

Pregnancy
Pregnancy symptoms
How to Soothe Restless Legs Syndrome
Understanding Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
Restless Legs Syndrome, also known as Willis-Ekbom disease, is a common condition of the nervous system that causes an overwhelming, irresistible urge to move your legs.
Along with the urge, you may experience uncomfortable and unpleasant sensations in your legs, such as tingling, burning, itching, a "creepy-crawly" feeling, or the sensation of fizzy water in the veins.
These sensations are often worse just below the knee and can sometimes be painful. Symptoms may worsen when you're resting and may improve when you move.
They are often more pronounced in the evening or at night.
Causes of Restless Legs Syndrome During Pregnancy
Restless Legs Syndrome during pregnancy is relatively common, affecting about 20% of pregnant women, especially in the third trimester.
The exact cause of RLS during pregnancy is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to hormonal changes.
As your body undergoes significant hormonal shifts to support the developing baby, the impact on the nervous system may lead to RLS symptoms.
Additionally, iron-deficiency anemia, which is also common during pregnancy, can contribute to the development or worsening of RLS.
Diagnosis and Management
Diagnosing Restless Legs Syndrome during pregnancy involves a thorough discussion of your symptoms and medical history with your healthcare provider.
Unfortunately, there is no specific test to confirm RLS.
The good news is that RLS is generally not harmful to your health or pregnancy, but it can interfere with your sleep, making it important to find ways to manage the symptoms.
Tips to Ease Restless Legs Syndrome
While there is no specific medication recommended for treating RLS during pregnancy, there are some lifestyle changes and home remedies that may provide relief. Here are some tips to consider:
  1. Caffeine and Alcohol Reduction: Reducing your caffeine intake and avoiding alcohol and smoking can help alleviate RLS symptoms.
  2. Regular Exercise: Engaging in moderate, regular exercise, such as swimming or walking, can be beneficial. Just be sure not to overexert yourself.
  3. Relaxation Techniques: Practicing relaxation exercises can help reduce tension and discomfort. Consider yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises.
  4. Heat and Warm Baths: Applying heat pads to your legs or taking warm baths may provide soothing relief.
  5. Distraction Techniques: Engage in activities that divert your attention from the sensations, such as reading or massaging your legs.
Postpartum Expectations
If your Restless Legs Syndrome is pregnancy-related, you can expect the symptoms to subside soon after giving birth.
However, it's essential to be aware that women who experience RLS during pregnancy have an increased risk of developing the syndrome in later life.
Keep an eye on any recurrent symptoms and discuss them with your healthcare provider.
Similar Conditions and When to Seek Medical Attention
RLS symptoms can sometimes be mistaken for deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition.
If you experience throbbing or cramping pain in one leg, swelling, warm skin around the painful area, or other concerning symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
Additionally, another condition known as meralgia paresthetica, caused by a trapped nerve in the thigh, can cause uncomfortable or painful sensations in the leg.
If you have a painful patch of burning, numbness, or pins and needles on the outer side of your thigh, talk to your GP or midwife for evaluation and appropriate management.
Final Note
Restless Legs Syndrome during pregnancy is manageable, and following simple lifestyle adjustments can help reduce symptoms.
If you experience any concerning symptoms or have questions about managing RLS during pregnancy, don't hesitate to consult your healthcare provider for guidance and support.
Remember, your health and well-being are essential during this special time.
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Reduce Edema and Leg Swelling
3 min read
C
Carisma
18 Nov 2023

Anyone have tips for restless legs and itchy skin? I've tried lotion, massaging, baths, walking and nothing is seeming to work

Pregnancy Pregnancy symptoms
3 comments
S
SerenityMom
Restless leg you can take Benadryl. Or see if your doc will prescribe you gabapentin. Is you itching because a rash ?
27 Mar 2024

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C
Carisma
I think it's just dry skin but I have put lotion on 3 times today
27 Mar 2024

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K
Kiari
28 Oct 2023

i cant do this restless leg syndrome stuff. i be wanting to take my legs off and put them back on in the morning.

Pregnancy Pregnancy symptoms
2 comments
C
Christine
Lol omg yeah it sucks. Try to up your magnesium intake. It helps
27 Mar 2024

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M
Marissa
29 Jul 2023

Can someone please give me tips on how to help with restless legs at night 😫 I spent half my night crying because I’m so tired but can’t get comfortable

Pregnancy Pregnancy symptoms
6 comments
M
Monique🧘🏾‍♀️🩵👣🩵🍼
Have you try putting pillows under them? I deal with the same thing and I have a few pillows and that helps Alot
27 Mar 2024

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Marissa
I have, it helps some but not much. I’m a belly sleeper so usually I sleep on my side/stomach with my leg up so I think that’s adding to my discomfort not being able too. I had extreme restless legs with my first baby as well. Last night I rolled up a comforter under my legs and finally got a little sleep
27 Mar 2024

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T
Trace
20 Jun 2023

Random question. I’m 23 weeks and every night I have to deal with restless leg syndrome. Anyone else have or going through this? Any relief suggestions?

Pregnancy Pregnancy symptoms
5 comments
M
Miranda
My doctor recommended unisom and it doesn’t work for me! I’m so over this it’s annoying I don’t sleep at all 🥹
27 Mar 2024

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J
Julia
33 weeks here and I seriously struggle falling asleep for hours I've tried everything except the Benadryl method
27 Mar 2024

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H
Haley
4 May 2023

Anyone else battling with restless leg syndrome really bad? Can can I do to help? I'm losing so much sleep at night because of it. I've tried muscle rub massaging my legs and feet and stretching. Any advice will help ty in advance

Pregnancy Pregnancy symptoms
3 comments
B
Briana
Stand up an stretch ur legs pickles an bananas help me so much !!!
27 Mar 2024

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H
Haley
I have tried that multiple times. Don't seem to work. I fight with it for few hours in a row
27 Mar 2024

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k
kaitlyn
27 Oct 2022

Restless legs! Help what works for you mamas?! I’m in tears trying to sleep #sleeplessnights #restlesslegs #30wks

Pregnancy Pregnancy symptoms
2 comments
A
Alina
5 Jul 2022

This restless leg syndrome is really annoying and keeping me up at night. I try to fall asleep on my right side but my right leg always feels like it’s falling asleep and I need to move it

Pregnancy Pregnancy symptoms
2 comments
S
Shaniyah
I feel your pain🤦🏾‍♀️ it sucks😡
27 Mar 2024

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L
Laurel
9 Jun 2022

Anyone that’s getting bad restless leg syndrome I highly recommend magni-life relaxing PM cream that with Tylenol makes it to where I can actually sleep 😅

Pregnancy Pregnancy symptoms
5 comments
B
Blocked user
Magnesium in itself helps relieve restlessness, RLS, insomnia, headaches, muscle aches and cramps, and even constipation. You may be able to just skip the Tylenol (since it isn't great on the growing baby) and take magnesium. It's such a miracle vitamin. I used it in my pregnancies for all of these things, after my midwife recommended it, and it worked. I used Natural Calm brand...
27 Mar 2024

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🕸
🕸💀⛓ Trei ⛓ 🌹🦇
. Careful with the Tylenol while preggo, mama. Tylenol's been linked to some serious stuff in infants and preggo women recently. I wouldn't take too much o' that or any medication like it while pregnant unless you really super needed it. You never know what these things will do long term... The magnesium should help you on it's own just like the one lady said. As far as the alternatives in this pic, check to make sure they are safe for pregnancy before trying any. Not trying to scare you. Just trying to help. https://yaledailynews.com/blog/2021/10/14/yale-researchers-warn-against-use-of-tylenol-by-pregnant-women/ Here's a drug free option. This is a prenatal yoga video for sleep. Helped me tremendously when I was pregnant and that insomnia hit like a truck. Maybe it will help you a little bit with the legs and sleeplessness? https://youtu.be/g9ixc_cvKk0
27 Mar 2024

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M
Misty
21 May 2022

Anyone else dealing with Restless legs at night? It really only hits me as I'm trying to go to sleep... Anyone figure out how to help ease it up?

Pregnancy Pregnancy symptoms
3 comments
n
naomi
Me, I’ve had it even before I was pregnant but now it’s an all day thing. ): I stretch every night & put vapor rub from my knees to my toes right before shutting my eyes and it helps a bit. I’ve also seen moms on here suggesting magnesium but I’ve never tried that
27 Mar 2024

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M
Misty
I'll definitely have to try those! Any time I've had magnesium before I've broken out in a red hot blotches, so hopefully I don't have to resort to that.
27 Mar 2024

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m
mariah
14 May 2022

any moms have tips to help settle restless leg syndrome? this pregnancy has caused lots of nutrient deficiencies for me and i started taking iron but it’s not helping.

Pregnancy Pregnancy symptoms
7 comments
t
tash
Try a heating pad or a nice hot bath not too hot though. I have restless leg & a nice warm shower usually works for me
27 Mar 2024

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m
mariah
i just got out of the shower and it seems to be working! it’s 3 am over here where i am this rls has been the reason for my insomnia it’s awful
27 Mar 2024

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