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.

Acne Treatment during Pregnancy: Home Remedies for Acne during Pregnancy

Pregnancy acne or pimples during pregnancy is quite a commonly seen skin condition; it tends to subside when the hormone levels come back to normal. Hence, avoid prescription acne drugs or over-the-counter acne treatments; instead, you can rely on home remedies for acne treatment in pregnancy, they are safe and effective.

Statistics say, 1 out of every 2 pregnant women tend to develop acne. The acne may be mild or severe. The principal for pimple outbreak during pregnancy is the increased hormone levels. This increased level of hormones triggers increased synthesis of natural oils. 

Acne and Pregnancy

Acne during Pregnancy

Pregnancy can trigger acne or make existing acne worse. Conversely, some women who are prone to acne report a diminution in the breakouts during pregnancy.

Changes in the hormone profile during pregnancy causes the emergence of pimples and breakouts because they stimulate the sebaceous glands in the skin to enlarge and increase the manufacture of sebum. Increased sebum, along with the shed skin cells that line your hair follicles, occludes the skin pores and generates an environment in which bacteria multiply rapidly. Consequently, inflammation and skin eruptions develop.

Acne during Pregnancy Treatment

Follow these simple guidelines to help manage acne during pregnancy:

• Wash your face and neck gently with a mild soap twice every day.
• Don't scrub; it irritates the skin and aggravates the condition.
• Make sure that you use a water-based moisturizer; an oil-based one will worsen the breakout.
• Never rub, squeeze or pop the pimples, it will result in scarring.
• Ensure that you wash your makeup thoroughly before going to bed.

Pregnancy Pimples and How to Treat Them

Treating pregnancy pimples and acne can be rather tricky; given that, most prescription and over-the-counter acne treatments are fraught with a high possibility of birth defects. Avoid any medicine that you do not absolutely need when you're pregnant that may have even the remotest chance of harming the baby.

How to Get Rid Of Pimples: Acne Treatments At Home

• Tea tree: Tea Tree is a medicinal essential oil that can safely be used during pregnancy. It is an anti microbial, anti septic and bactericide that helps get rid of acne successfully. Apply the essential only on the pimples and blackheads, frequently through the day.
• Turmeric: curcumin found in the spice is an anti bacterial, which helps fight bacterial multiplication that is associated with acne. Mix 1 spoon of powdered turmeric with some water so as to make paste, apply all over the affected area and leave on for 15 minutes; thereafter rinse with cold water.

Best Home Remedies for Acne

One of the best and most effective home remedies for acne is making a pack of ground flax seeds, oat meal and pounded lemon rind. Blend together, add a little water and gently massage in to the face, neck and back. These natural remedies are exceedingly safe and afford instant cure for the pimples and breakouts. What’s more, they also help reduce the scarring that is associated with acne.

Pregnancy and Acne Treatment: What Is Not Safe During Pregnancy

The following medications and drugs, although decidedly beneficial for the management of acne are not advocated during pregnancy, since they could cause birth defects in the baby.

• Isotretinoin has been widely used in acne treatments; however, it is exceedingly hazardous during pregnancy, since it can affect the baby and cause grave birth defects.
• Hormone therapy, such as estrogen and anti-androgens are also not recommended.
• Anti biotics such as doxycycline, tetracycline and minocycline are fraught with risk as well.
• Topical retinoids are similar to isotretinoin and must be avoided during pregnancy.
• Experts also advise against the usage of topical creams that contain salicylic acid.

Citrus Fruits are packed with Vitamin C

How to Get Rid Of Acne: Best Natural Acne Treatment

1. Vitamin A: step up your intake of carrots, tomatoes, mangoes, spinach and guavas. These are packed with vitamin A which is a ‘skin vitamin. Vitamin A keeps your skin healthy and free from blemishes, it helps increase skin cell turn over and enhances the complexion.
2.  Vitamin C: is another vital skin nutrient. Consumes plenty of limes, lemons, oranges, cherries and bell peppers. These are chockfull of vitamin C and will speed up healing of the skin.
3.  Vitamin B and Zinc: vitamin B complex and zinc hasten healing and ward off the occurrence of unsightly scarring. Ensure that you consume whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds and ginger.

You may also opt for vitamin and mineral supplements in order to meet your daily needs for these nutrients; however, you must consult your gynecologist / obstetrician before embarking upon supplementation.