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Pregnancy-Related Restless Legs Syndrome

Expectant mothers may encounter restless leg syndrome during the third trimester of pregnancy, according to an estimate. Delve into its details below.

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3 min read
Pregnancy-Related Restless Leg Syndrome
Pregnancy-Related Restless Leg Syndrome

Unwinding the Unease: Restless Leg Syndrome During Pregnancy

You might be surprised to hear that up to one-third of pregnant women encounter restless legs syndrome, also known as Willis-Ekbom disease (WED/RLS) [1]! Sometimes, these irritating symptoms can even stick around post-pregnancy. So, let's refresh ourselves on what RLS means and how to manage it.

The Itch to Keep Moving: What's RLS?

RLS is a condition characterized by an uncontrollable urge to move the legs, paired with a terrible feeling of discomfort. This urge usually exacerbates in the evenings and can be accentuated by periodic limb movements, like twitching and kicking during the night [2]. However, RLS can also surface during the day when you're lying down.

It's no shock that RLS and pregnancy often go together, with hormonal changes potentially making symptoms even more pronounced in the third trimester [2].

Signs of RLS During Pregnancy

Marked by an unrelenting need to move the legs, RLS in pregnancy often exhibits as a painful, throbbing, or pulling sensation. The desire to move legs can be overpowering, leading to sleep disorders or trouble sleeping due to unwanted movements. Unlike nocturnal leg cramps, moving one's legs doesn't easily alleviate RLS [2].

Pregnant women need a substantial amount of sleep, ideally clocking between seven to nine hours each night. A lack of sleep, due to RLS or other factors, can greatly impact a woman’s health. Among other things, it can lead to:

  • an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preeclampsia and preterm birth
  • general health issues like fatigue, sleep disorders, and difficulty concentrating [3]

What's Behind RLS During Pregnancy?

Family history may point to the cause of RLS, but there are other factors at play, such as hormonal changes, a dopamine imbalance, and iron deficiencies [3].

So, are there any supplements a woman can take while pregnant to manage RLS symptoms? Magnesium and iron supplements can be beneficial [3]. A daily intake of 350-360 mg of magnesium, depending on age, should suffice, and you can get more by incorporating leafy greens, legumes, nuts, and seeds into your diet. Iron supplements and foods rich in iron can also help reduce RLS symptoms. A pregnant woman needs 27 mg of iron daily [4]; if you suspect iron deficiency anemia, consult your doctor for guidance.

Remember, before adding any supplements to your diet, always consult your healthcare provider to avoid negative interactions with other medications.

Minimizing RLS During Pregnancy

While RLS may not be avoidable in all cases, lifestyle changes can help make the symptoms more manageable. For example, taking a warm bath to promote deep sleep and relaxation or keeping a food journal to identify any potential triggers that might worsen symptoms can be beneficial [3].

For extra tips on getting better sleep, give the ShutEye® app a try! ShutEye® is a sleep-tracking app that monitors your sleep cycle and offers personalized advice to improve your sleep quality [4].

If you have concerns about RLS during pregnancy, it's always best to consult your healthcare provider to ensure there are no underlying medical conditions causing your symptoms to worsen [1].

Snooze Peacefully

Although RLS might be unavoidable, making certain lifestyle adjustments can help pregnant women manage symptoms and get the sleep they need. For more guidance on how to sleep soundly, check out the ShutEye® app's 10 sleep tips to beat insomnia [4].

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5916153/[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2447331/[3] https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/673871[4] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/restless-legs-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20353070

  1. Pregnancy can exacerbate the symptoms of insomnia in women with restless leg syndrome (RLS), particularly in the third trimester, often due to hormonal changes.
  2. Some women may experience relief from RLS symptoms during pregnancy by taking supplements like magnesium and iron, which are important for mental health, nutritional balance, and women's health.
  3. Women with RLS during pregnancy may struggle with sleep disorders or trouble sleeping, making it crucial to manage symptoms to avoid health complications such as preeclampsia, preterm birth, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating.
  4. In addition to supplements, lifestyle changes like taking a warm bath, journaling food intake, and using sleep-tracking apps can help manage RLS symptoms, leading to a deeper more relaxing sleep.

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