Restless Legs Syndrome during Pregnancy, Twitching In Legs during Pregnancy

Restless legs syndrome is a medical condition which affects pregnant women. The condition is characterized by leg twitching and a host of other symptoms. While the causes of restless legs is not clearly understood, the treatment for leg twitch is simple. Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a self limiting disorder and disappears after the pregnancy is completed. 

RLS is Characterized by a Creepy, Crawly Sensation

What is Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)?

Some women complain of an uncomfortable and distressing creeping, tingling and crawling sensation in the legs and feet, during pregnancy; this is accompanied by a desire to move the legs, and is particularly evident when one is trying to get to sleep.

By and large, you will notice the symptoms more at night, especially, when you are trying to sleep, but, RLS can strike any time when you're lying down or sitting. 


Regrettably, you'll have to learn to live with RLS until your baby is born, given that, exercising the calf muscles do not really help, and medications to manage twitches are not recommended during pregnancy.

What Causes Restless Legs Syndrome?: Leg Twitches Causes during Pregnancy 

Health care professionals and gynecologists say that the exact cause for RLS during pregnancy is rather obscure; however, they suppose a combination of dietary and environmental factors, set off the condition. 

1. Iron deficiency
2. Folic acid deficiency 
3. Changes in blood circulation and concentration/thickness of blood
4. Altered Sensitivity to certain foods
5. Changes in hormonal profile

These are some of the important etiological factors, associated with the development of restless legs. 

Restless Legs Symptoms

Leg twitches and restless legs symptoms come on when you are at rest, more than ever, just before you fall asleep or when you've been sitting still for a prolonged period of time. You will feel the symptoms in the lower legs, and occasionally in the thighs, feet, arms, or hands. A creepy, crawly sensation is what is usually described by most women, triggering an involuntary urge to move the legs.
Restless leg also results in disturbed sleep cycle which results in fatigue and tiredness

Leg Twitch and Restless Legs Syndrome Treatment

Moving the legs brings instant relief, but sensations come back when you stop moving. This can be exceedingly frustrating and annoying, especially when you're trying to sleep. Moreover, your sleep getsaffected and you end up fatigued. Typically, restless legs syndrome peaks in the 7 or 8 month and vanishes altogether after the delivery of your baby.

Here are a few guidelines that could help assuage the problem to some extent:

1.      Drugs that are usually used to treat RLS are not advocated during pregnancy. Also, certain over the counter medicines, such as antihistamines in cold and allergy remedies, make the symptoms worse; so avoid all drugs during pregnancy, and if you must take do consult your gynecologist. Alternatively try using simple home remedies for treatment of cold and flu. 

2.      Caffeine is known to aggravate the symptoms of RLS; hence, eliminate caffeine from your diet.

3.      Confer with your doctor regarding supplementation. Your doctor will prescribe iron, folic acid, magnesium, and vitamin B12 supplements. 

A Foot Massage Reduces the Symptoms Significantly

Leg Twitching during Pregnancy – How To Manage It?
Here are some simple suggestions to management leg twitching during pregnancy, 

• Keep a food journal, and note what you've eaten before you experience the symptoms of RLS. Certain foods, such as carbohydrates eaten late in the day, trigger restless legs.
• Stretching the legs often, a night-time foot rub, a massage, hot packs, warm baths and relaxation techniques help allay the symptoms to a significant extent.