Your body undergoes numerous changes throughout pregnancy. Some can catch you off surprise, but others, like a developing belly, are exciting and expected. Restless legs syndrome is one possible issue that could arise over the course of your nine-month journey (RLS).

Even though it can be challenging to sleep at night during pregnancy, restless legs syndrome can cause you to have an incessant urge to move your legs. What then causes pregnant women to experience restless legs syndrome, and more importantly, what can you do to alleviate it? This is important to know.

What Is Restless Legs Syndrome?

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), restless legs syndrome, also known as Willis-Ekbom Disease, is a neurological condition that results in painful sensations in your legs and an impulse to move them. Although the illness isn't exclusive to pregnancy, changes in hormones can increase its frequency during this period.

Various people may have various symptoms of restless legs syndrome. I've heard it described in almost any body area, but it's usually described as a restless or uncomfortable feeling in the lower extremities. Some have compared it to an internal tickle or the sensation of having worms or ants wriggling inside of them.

What Causes Restless Legs Syndrome During Pregnancy?

Sadly, having restless legs syndrome during pregnancy can increase your risk of developing it. Though the exact cause of this connection is still being investigated, it most likely has to do with the hormonal and physiological changes your body goes through at this time. Lowered iron and/or folate levels may also play a role. Moreover, restless legs syndrome is linked to anxiety.

Certain medications, such as antiemetic treatments, have the potential to exacerbate symptoms of restless legs syndrome in pregnant women. It is imperative that you notify your healthcare practitioner if you get RLS while taking medicine for nausea or morning sickness.

When Does Restless Legs Syndrome Start in Pregnancy?

Though it can technically occur at any stage of pregnancy, the third trimester is when restless legs syndrome is most common. Furthermore, it can get worse as your delivery date and due date get closer.

How to Help Restless Legs Syndrome During Pregnancy

If you have restless legs syndrome during pregnancy, you don't have to put up with the symptoms. The majority of the time, nonpharmacologic methods assist in reducing RLS symptoms. To put it another way, you might feel better without taking anything.

Tips to help alleviate symptoms:

• Have a regular exercise routine
• Try prenatal yoga
• Get acupuncture
• Follow a healthy pregnancy diet
• Avoid caffeine
• Create a regular bedtime routine
• Increasing your iron and folate intake may also help, Winter says, in addition to eating potassium-rich foods like bananas, spinach and potatoes. Be sure to talk to your doctor before taking any new supplements.

Are there safe medication options for restless legs in pregnancy?

Before thinking about taking medicine for restless legs during pregnancy, experts advise adopting some lifestyle adjustments. While a pregnant person's doctor may prescribe certain drugs, these are rarely necessary and are often only taken into consideration if a patient's sleep is severely compromised.

When Will Restless Leg Syndrome Go Away in Pregnancy?

Although painful, restless legs syndrome normally goes away after the pregnancy is finished. Actually, according to the NINDS, it often goes away four weeks after delivery.

When to See Your Doctor About Restless Legs in Pregnancy 

It's crucial to discuss your pregnancy-related restless legs syndrome with your healthcare practitioner. They will assess your symptoms to make sure there are no other underlying causes, and they will work with you to create a customized treatment plan.