Restless Legs – Pregnancy induced limb sensation is an uncomfortable and painful condition suffered by 20% of pregnant women. This condition is described as crawling painful feeling in the lower part of the legs and the discomfort can be relieved by moving the affected part.
Restless leg syndrome occurs after long period of seating and while lying down. This condition can hinder having a good sleep and getting the needed rest by a pregnant woman. Restless legs, pregnancy induced in particular are under the category of secondary RLS that is associated with the dopamine level in the brain as well as the estrogen. However, what is good about this syndrome is that it constantly subsides after giving birth.
The cause of the syndrome is undetermined and there is no cure yet. Some speculations that arise points that the deficiency in vitamins and insufficiency in iron are the reasons for restless legs; pregnancy is a secondary condition that aggravates it. Another burden about this syndrome while pregnant is that most prescription medicine for the syndrome is not suitable for pregnancy as they may harm the baby.
Moreover, taking a low fat diet, reducing caffeine and sugar as well as nicotine and alcohol intake would help. In addition, there are non-medical treatments that can be tried. Taking some form of exercise such as walking, stretching and yoga before bedtime will help relieve or alleviate the pain. However, strenuous exercise should not be taken as it may exacerbate restless legs in pregnancy. Soaking the legs while taking a warm bath can also ease the pain as well as drinking glass of milk.
Symptoms of restless leg syndrome can be reduced by wearing tights or support stockings while sleeping. You can also use between your legs or a heat pad while sleeping. Getting sufficient rest is vital for pregnant woman that is why it is necessary that you find remedy for restless leg syndrome.
In addition, aside from the vitamin and iron supplements, there should be symptomatic treatment provided. This symptomatic treatment includes treating your legs with hot or cold compress, immersing your legs in hot or cold water and massaging your restless legs. Pregnancy limb discomfort appears in the last trimester of conception and disappears before your baby is about one month old.