Managing Restless Legs Syndrome for a More Comfortable Pregnancy 

Pregnancy brings many physical changes, and some of them can make it harder to get comfortable and get the rest you need. One common challenge is restless legs syndrome (RLS), a condition that gives you a strong urge to move your legs.

AHN Forbes Hospital’s OB-GYN team is here to help you navigate RLS and find ways to stay comfortable throughout your pregnancy.

Understanding RLS and its symptoms

RLS is a movement disorder that causes sensations in your legs that make you want to move them. These feelings often get worse in the evening or at night. Common symptoms of RLS include:

• Sudden leg twitches or jerks
• Tingling, burning, itching, or throbbing feelings in one or both legs
• Temporary relief when you move your legs

RLS can affect anyone, but it’s especially common during pregnancy. About 20% of pregnant women have RLS symptoms, often starting in the second trimester and getting stronger during the third trimester, when the body needs more rest.*

“Pregnancy and the hormonal changes that come with it are already overwhelming for many patients, and RLS can cause added discomfort,” said Kristie Charek, MD, OB-GYN at Forbes. “The good news is that RLS is not harmful to your baby, and for most people, it gets better after pregnancy. With the right support, you can manage it.”

What causes RLS?

Although doctors don’t know the exact cause of RLS, several things can play a role, including:

• Not getting enough physical activity**
• Family history
• Certain medications, such as antidepressants or antihistamines
• Low iron levels
• Conditions like diabetes and kidney disease

Low iron can lead to anemia, which is when you don’t have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen through your body, leaving you feeling unusually tired or weak. Since iron is important for muscle and nerve function, a shortage can affect the nerves in your legs and lead to uncomfortable symptoms from RLS.

RLS treatment and lifestyle modifications

It’s important to let your OB-GYN know about your symptoms so they can share treatment options to manage your restless legs while pregnant. Your doctor might start by looking at your habits and suggesting lifestyle modifications to help make you more comfortable during your pregnancy, such as:

• Getting 8-10 hours of sleep
• Reducing screen time before bed by shutting off electronics 30 minutes to an hour before you go to sleep
• Stretching, walking, or doing gentle prenatal yoga
• Managing stress through journaling or relaxation exercises
• Limiting caffeine and avoiding it after lunchtime
• Avoiding alcohol and nicotine

If changing your routine doesn’t help your symptoms, your doctor will look at your iron levels and any medications you’re currently taking. If your levels seem low, you may need supplemental iron.

Iron can be taken as a pill or given through an IV. If you choose IV treatment, you may need one to five infusion sessions to fully address your symptoms.

“Low iron levels are very common during pregnancy,” said Dr. Charek. “Our Bloodless Medicine team at Forbes can get patients through the door quickly for infusions to help manage their iron and find relief from RLS symptoms.”

Helping you feel more comfortable throughout pregnancy

AHN Forbes Hospital’s OB-GYN team is committed to helping you feel your best during pregnancy. Schedule an appointment with the OB-GYN team to help manage and treat your RLS.