Moms need to run everywhere to keep up with their little ones. For some expectant mothers, however, it seems that their legs are getting ready for this constant marathon way before their baby comes into the world. Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is uncomfortable, but relatively harmless.
Causes of Restless Leg Syndrome
There is no known cause for RLS in pregnancy. Some doctors and researchers believe it is a combination of iron deficiency and food sensitivity.
Important Facts About Restless Leg Syndrome
Restless leg syndrome can often feel like there is electricity running through your legs when you are most tired. There is no specific time that RLS strikes, and women have reported problems with this condition during all three trimesters of pregnancy. The most painful cases tend to occur in the last months of pregnancy when the legs are swollen and tired from carrying the extra baby weight. Medications prescribed for RLS are not safe for use during pregnancy, so you may, unfortunately, have to learn to accept these pains until baby is born.
Treatments for Restless Leg Syndrome
Because food sensitivities may be a cause for RLS, keeping a food journal is a good start toward figuring out the food culprits. If the symptoms are worse after eating a specific food, avoidance may help to relieve pain. Propping up legs, resting often and getting acupuncture may also work to remove some of the pain.
You can also talk with your doctor about iron deficiency. Blood tests are simple to perform with the most basic often completed in the doctor’s office. If iron deficiency is a problem, iron supplementation and a diet rich in iron can reverse the condition of RLS rather quickly.
