How To Get Rid Of Restless Legs Syndrome Pregnancy

One in five women experiences discomfort in her legs during pregnancy, such as discomfort and heaviness – a condition called restless legs syndrome. Expectant mothers rarely attach importance to this phenomenon and do not seek medical attention. The unpleasant condition is often written off to external factors or considered a normal manifestation of pregnancy. The syndrome itself is not a disease, it can develop on its own or as a background of various diseases (most often diabetes), but it may be behind a serious pathology that requires medical intervention.

What is Restless Leg Syndrome, or RLS?

It is also called Ekbom syndrome by medical professionals. Its appearance is associated with hormonal restructuring, a lack of nutrients and blood stasis in the extremities. There is evidence of a hereditary predisposition. In this case, manifestations can torment a woman long before pregnancy.

Due to vagueness of symptoms, RLS is easily disguised by other problems and diseases. The main diagnostic criterion is that the manifestations intensify when lying down. They often appear during nighttime sleep and subside in the morning. Typical symptoms include:

• discomfort in the lower extremities, a constant desire to move them;
• uncomfortable sensations: itching, tingling, burning, “tingling”, numbness;
• cramps or trembling in the feet, shins, calves, and thighs;
• pulling, stabbing, twisting pains that recur in cycles;
• insomnia, restless sleep, and frequent nightmares;
• increased anxiety, tearfulness, and fatigue.

Sometimes the legs and arms twitch spontaneously at night. Sensitivity of extremities temporarily decreases. The condition improves after a light warm-up, massage, taking water procedures.

The symptom-complex occurs in the second trimester of pregnancy, and without treatment can last until the birth. In severe cases, the manifestations persist during breastfeeding. This is explained by the continuing deficiency of nutrients.

The causes of RLS

The syndrome can be primary or secondary (caused by specific diseases). Even relatively healthy women carrying a fetus are susceptible to it. The triggering factor in this case may be:

1. Lack of important substances for the body: calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, vitamins and proteins.
2. A tendency to fluid retention and edema in the lower extremities.
3. Malocclusion – a decrease in the number of blood cells that help to supply all tissues of the body with oxygen.
4. Rapid and uncontrolled weight gain of a pregnant woman.
5. Hormonal rearrangement, imbalance of certain substances caused by the active growth of the fetus.
6. Taking medications of certain groups. Diuretics and medications for lowering blood pressure reduce the amount of useful micronutrients in the body.
7. Errors in the diet, namely the use of large amounts of salt and spices, preservatives, fast food.

Even if there is no serious illness, but the pregnant woman has “twisting legs”, she should see a doctor. An obstetrician-gynecologist will analyze the patient’s state of health, give useful recommendations. In uncomplicated cases, simple measures help to significantly improve well-being.

It is much worse if behind the signs of RLS there is a systemic disease against which the symptoms of the syndrome – discomfort and heaviness in the legs – may appear. It can manifest itself before pregnancy, which itself is considered a provocateur of various ailments. The occurrence of typical symptoms may indicate the presence of:

• Hormonal diseases – diabetes mellitus, thyroid abnormalities;
• Problems with the joints or spine (osteochondrosis, arthritis);
• Vascular disorders, in particular varicose veins, blood clots in the blood vessels;
• Insufficiency of the excretory system – chronic kidney failure.

If the legs are heavy, the feeling of heaviness and discomfort does not go away for a long time, the general condition worsens, it is necessary to undergo a medical examination and examination to find out what caused restless legs syndrome, because it can be an independent phenomenon, or it can be a symptom of any disease, in most cases a symptom of diabetes.

How to get rid of unpleasant symptoms?

Diagnosis begins with a comprehensive examination and blood tests – clinical and biochemical. They allow you to identify the deficiency of useful substances, to identify anemia, general disorders in the body. Sometimes perform a study of the nervous system during sleep with special sensors.

According to the data obtained, the doctor prescribes drugs and gives general recommendations. At RLS are useful:

1. Biologically active and vitamin and mineral supplements.
2. A revitalizing diet with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. Sugar, caffeine and preservatives should be avoided.
3. Light activity before bedtime – yoga, stretching, fitball, squats, walks in the fresh air.
4. Physical therapy procedures, relaxing massage.
5. Contrast showers, rubbing and dousing (do it with care).
6. Swimming, water aerobics, special water activities for pregnant women.
7. Relaxation techniques: deep breathing, meditation, auto-training.
8. Calming decoctions of chamomile, motherwort, St. John’s wort without alcohol.
9. Creating conditions for comfortable sleep (airing, bedding made of natural fabrics, orthopedic pillow).

Some measures, such as physical therapy, medications and herbal remedies, should only be prescribed by a doctor.

The phenomena of restless legs syndrome in pregnancy are not dangerous in themselves. The threat may be carried by the disease that provokes the condition. Therefore, even the slightest discomfort is a reason to consult your gynecologist.