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RLS often plagues pregnant women, but can also target just about anyone including men, women who aren’t pregnant and even children. In pregnant women, the cause of RLS is fairly unknown, but it is suggested that RLS incidence in pregnant women can be associated with hormonal changes within the body (specifically the rise in estrogen levels), as well as being either iron or folate deficient.
Generally speaking, RLS pops up right before falling asleep, during sleep or after sitting for long periods of time. Tingling, crawling or burning sensations in your legs typically defines restless legs syndrome, but these symptoms can sometimes also target the arms, thighs, hands and feet. Moving your legs and other body parts usually relieve these symptoms immediately. But this can get pretty frustrating! Not only are pregnant women fairly tired to begin with (especially during the first and third trimesters) but being kept awake night after night with RLS can leave pregnant women irritable, frustrated and extremely fatigued.
Most drugs available for the treatment of RLS are not recommended for pregnant women. However, there are some drug-free solutions out there that can help pregnant women deal with RLS. Make sure you speak to your health care provider to make sure you aren’t iron or folate deficient. Also make sure you are taking a prenatal multivitamin like PregnancyPlus Prenatal.
- Stretching
- Massages
- Hot and/or cold packs
- Warm baths
- Regular exercise
- Yoga before sleep
- Orgasms
