Pregnancy: What Is Restless Leg Syndrome and How To Treat It

Restless leg syndrome is a common problem that many women experience during pregnancy. This condition is characterized by an uncontrollable urge to move your legs, often accompanied by an uncomfortable feeling in your legs.

Some people experience other symptoms like tingling, twitching, or crawling, and in some cases, it can be quite painful. Usually, the symptoms start appearing in the third trimester of pregnancy and they can be very distressing. Although it won't damage your health or put your baby at risk, it does make it difficult to get a good night's sleep, which will put you under more stress during the pregnancy.

While the cause of restless leg syndrome is unknown, it is believed to be related to changes in your body's production of dopamine and serotonin. These neurotransmitters are responsible for controlling movement and mood, so it's not surprising that changes in their production can lead to restless leg syndrome.

There is no cure for restless leg syndrome, but there are treatments that can help. Some of the most common treatments include:

Chiropractic Treatments

Chiropractors are experts in the field of musculoskeletal manipulation, so they may be able to offer some relief if your restless leg syndrome is being caused by a misalignment of your spine. A pregnancy chiropractor can offer treatments that improve your overall health throughout your pregnancy and deal with specific problems, including restless leg syndrome. You can have treatments before you get pregnant and throughout the whole process.

Iron Supplements

Iron deficiency is a common cause of restless leg syndrome, pregnant or not, actually. In fact we actually experienced some of it ourselves a year after pregnancy: true story. So taking iron supplements may help to relieve your symptoms. However, it's important to get your levels checked before you start taking supplements, as too much iron can be dangerous. If you notice other symptoms, like fatigue, for example, this is a sign that you have an iron deficiency. If you are concerned, your doctor will be able to test you and let you know whether you would benefit from supplements or not.

Diet

Changes to your diet and lifestyle can help, in some cases. For example, try to avoid caffeine completely as it can make the symptoms worse. You may also find that eating foods rich in magnesium can help to relieve the symptoms. Some good sources of magnesium include leafy green vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Eating well is an important part of a healthy pregnancy anyway, so make sure you always consider your diet.

Moderate Exercise

Regular exercise can help to improve your overall health and keep restless leg syndrome at bay. Try taking a walk every day or doing some gentle exercises that don't put too much strain on your body, like swimming.

If you are pregnant, it's important to talk to your doctor before you start exercising so you can make sure that you are safe. You need to discuss what kind of activity is best for you and how often you should do it.

Restless leg syndrome can be very distressing and even painful, but there are some treatments that can help. Ask your doctor for advice on medications and supplements, as well as lifestyle changes that will reduce the symptoms. If you think iron deficiency could be causing your restless leg syndrome, taking an iron supplement may provide relief. Finally, moderate exercise and a healthy diet can also help to reduce the symptoms.