Restless Leg Syndrome, or RLS, is actually more common than you think. Doctors estimate that from 2-15 percent of the population has symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome, but many of them don’t seek help for it.
Restless Leg Syndrome is even more common in pregnant women. Researchers estimate that nearly 20% of pregnant women suffer from RLS. This could be in part due to the fact that many pregnant women suffer anemia. Anemia can cause or worsen the symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome.
What is Restless Leg Syndrome?
Restless Leg Syndrome is a central nervous system disorder. It is not a mental health disorder. RLS is characterized by having an uncomfortable feeling in the legs that causes a person who is most typically trying to sleep to have to move their legs or get up to cope with the sensations. The sensations are typically described as crawling, tingling, or burning feelings deep in the legs. This can cause the person to feel like they have to kick, stretch, or otherwise move their legs, but it only offers temporary relief, if any.
Restless Leg Syndrome can be an inherited disorder, or it can be considered ‘secondary’, meaning that there is another reason it has manifested itself. Anemia (low iron levels), uremia, neurologic lesions or vertebral disk disease, pregnancy, some prescription drugs (particularly mental health medications), and caffeine can cause or worsen the symptoms of RLS.
Why does it affect so many pregnant women?
Pregnant women are particularly susceptible to developing anemia, which is iron deficiency. This can cause symptoms of RLS. In many cases, women no longer have the symptoms after delivery.
Can it cause other problems?
Restless Leg Syndrome can cause problems with your ability to sleep, leaving you tired, unable to concentrate, and possibly even emotionally spent, making it difficult for you to participate fully in daily life or at work.
What can be done about it?
If you are not pregnant, there are prescription drugs that can help with RLS. It is unknown at this time if these drugs are safe for pregnancy. There are also herbal and homeopathic remedies including one from Hyland’s called Restful Legs. Please talk to your healthcare practitioner before taking any herbal or homeopathic remedy.
It is recommended that persons with Restless Leg Syndrome cut their caffeine intake. It is also recommended that they do not lay down until they are ready to go to sleep, so they can head off the RLS.
Vitamin E, folate, and magnesium may be useful in treating symptoms of RLS.
I think I have RLS, what should I do?
Speak with your doctor. Explain your symptoms and be prepared to get your iron levels tested. They will also take a family history to see if you have family members with Restless Leg Syndrome. Be honest about the medications you are taking, as some of them can cause symptoms of RLS. You may also receive a neurlogic exampination to rule out spinal cord and peripheral nerve dysfunction, and a vasular examination to rule out vascular disorders.
If your RLS is caused by pregnancy, it is good to know that most of the time symptoms go away after the delivery of your baby.
This article is part of my pregnancy series, titled “What You Should Know”. I also have articles on childbirth and homebirth. Please check out my other articles for more information, and I’m always open to suggestions for things you haven’t seen covered yet.
