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Table of Contents
Self-Care Steps
How to Sleep Better
RLS Medications
Treatment Providers
Restless 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.
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Immediate Steps to Take for RLS While Pregnant
Here are some immediate self-care steps to relieve RLS:
Additional self-care measures that can help lessen RLS symptoms include:
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:
5 Natural Remedies for Pregnancy Insomnia
RLS in Different Trimesters of Pregnancy
Prepregnancy risk factors for RLS include:
During pregnancy, risk factors include:
Iron DeficiencyIron deficiencyis 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.
Iron Deficiency
Iron deficiencyis 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.
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, ormultiple 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:
Poor 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 RSL
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:
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.
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 Treatment
If 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.
9 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Turan H, Aşkın Turan S, Butun Z, Kayapınar M.The prevalence, severity, and predictive factors of restless legs syndrome in pregnancy.Cureus. 2023;15(9):e44884. doi:10.7759/cureus.44884Didato G, Di Giacomo R, Rosa GJ, Dominese A, de Curtis M, Lanteri P.Restless legs syndrome across the lifespan: symptoms, pathophysiology, management and daily life impact of the different patterns of disease presentation.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020;17(10):3658. doi:10.3390/ijerph17103658National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Restless legs syndrome.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Sleep health and disorders.Jahani Kondori M, Kolla BP, Moore KM, Mansukhani MP.Management of restless legs syndrome in pregnancy and lactation.J Prim Care Community Health. 2020;11:2150132720905950. doi:10.1177/2150132720905950American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Can I get a massage while pregnant?Muntean ML, Trenkwalder C, Bartl M.Restless legs syndrome during pregnancy: an overview.Somnologie. 2021;25(4):288-293. doi:10.1007/s11818-021-00337-1Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation.Vital considerations in treating a pregnant woman.Djokanovic N, Garcia-Bournissen F, Koren G.Medications for restless legs syndrome in pregnancy.J Obstet Gynaecol Can. 2008;30(6):505-507. doi:10.1016/S1701-2163(16)32866-3
9 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Turan H, Aşkın Turan S, Butun Z, Kayapınar M.The prevalence, severity, and predictive factors of restless legs syndrome in pregnancy.Cureus. 2023;15(9):e44884. doi:10.7759/cureus.44884Didato G, Di Giacomo R, Rosa GJ, Dominese A, de Curtis M, Lanteri P.Restless legs syndrome across the lifespan: symptoms, pathophysiology, management and daily life impact of the different patterns of disease presentation.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020;17(10):3658. doi:10.3390/ijerph17103658National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Restless legs syndrome.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Sleep health and disorders.Jahani Kondori M, Kolla BP, Moore KM, Mansukhani MP.Management of restless legs syndrome in pregnancy and lactation.J Prim Care Community Health. 2020;11:2150132720905950. doi:10.1177/2150132720905950American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Can I get a massage while pregnant?Muntean ML, Trenkwalder C, Bartl M.Restless legs syndrome during pregnancy: an overview.Somnologie. 2021;25(4):288-293. doi:10.1007/s11818-021-00337-1Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation.Vital considerations in treating a pregnant woman.Djokanovic N, Garcia-Bournissen F, Koren G.Medications for restless legs syndrome in pregnancy.J Obstet Gynaecol Can. 2008;30(6):505-507. doi:10.1016/S1701-2163(16)32866-3
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Turan H, Aşkın Turan S, Butun Z, Kayapınar M.The prevalence, severity, and predictive factors of restless legs syndrome in pregnancy.Cureus. 2023;15(9):e44884. doi:10.7759/cureus.44884Didato G, Di Giacomo R, Rosa GJ, Dominese A, de Curtis M, Lanteri P.Restless legs syndrome across the lifespan: symptoms, pathophysiology, management and daily life impact of the different patterns of disease presentation.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020;17(10):3658. doi:10.3390/ijerph17103658National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Restless legs syndrome.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Sleep health and disorders.Jahani Kondori M, Kolla BP, Moore KM, Mansukhani MP.Management of restless legs syndrome in pregnancy and lactation.J Prim Care Community Health. 2020;11:2150132720905950. doi:10.1177/2150132720905950American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Can I get a massage while pregnant?Muntean ML, Trenkwalder C, Bartl M.Restless legs syndrome during pregnancy: an overview.Somnologie. 2021;25(4):288-293. doi:10.1007/s11818-021-00337-1Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation.Vital considerations in treating a pregnant woman.Djokanovic N, Garcia-Bournissen F, Koren G.Medications for restless legs syndrome in pregnancy.J Obstet Gynaecol Can. 2008;30(6):505-507. doi:10.1016/S1701-2163(16)32866-3
Turan H, Aşkın Turan S, Butun Z, Kayapınar M.The prevalence, severity, and predictive factors of restless legs syndrome in pregnancy.Cureus. 2023;15(9):e44884. doi:10.7759/cureus.44884
Didato G, Di Giacomo R, Rosa GJ, Dominese A, de Curtis M, Lanteri P.Restless legs syndrome across the lifespan: symptoms, pathophysiology, management and daily life impact of the different patterns of disease presentation.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020;17(10):3658. doi:10.3390/ijerph17103658
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Restless legs syndrome.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Sleep health and disorders.
Jahani Kondori M, Kolla BP, Moore KM, Mansukhani MP.Management of restless legs syndrome in pregnancy and lactation.J Prim Care Community Health. 2020;11:2150132720905950. doi:10.1177/2150132720905950
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Can I get a massage while pregnant?
Muntean ML, Trenkwalder C, Bartl M.Restless legs syndrome during pregnancy: an overview.Somnologie. 2021;25(4):288-293. doi:10.1007/s11818-021-00337-1
Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation.Vital considerations in treating a pregnant woman.
Djokanovic N, Garcia-Bournissen F, Koren G.Medications for restless legs syndrome in pregnancy.J Obstet Gynaecol Can. 2008;30(6):505-507. doi:10.1016/S1701-2163(16)32866-3
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