Question: "This restless leg syndrome is driving me crazy - how do I deal with it? I can't get a good night sleep and I have't even had the baby yet!"
Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) is characterized by prickly, tingly, painful sensations in the legs.
Those affected can have an irresistible urge to move the legs and can even have uncontrolled jerks. It is a movement disorder that affects five to ten percent of the population but can temporarily affect up to forty percent of pregnant women!
The symptoms tend to worsen at night and can be relieved by moving, shaking or massaging the legs. Of course, with all that moving around, RLS interferes with sleep and those affected often complain of insomnia and sleepiness. While the condition is most commonly seen in the third trimester of pregnancy, the good news is that it usually resolves soon after delivery. Anemia has been suggested as a possible cause, and should certainly be checked for and treated, but its increase during pregnancy is more likely hormonal.
So, what are you to do when those “pins and needles” are keeping you up at night?
First of all, try to exercise daily. In addition, stretch those lower extremity muscles morning and evening and massage your legs before bed. Avoid caffeine and, of course, smoking. And try to maintain healthy sleep habits. Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day. Not napping during the day is helpful. Stay away from heavy meals and sugar close to bed time. And avoid activities that can make it hard to fall asleep like television or reading right before you doze off.
Try to turn any LED alarm lights away from you and put electronics away. And since stress only increases the symptoms, keep your bedroom a worry-free, work-free zone reserved only for sleep and sex. Here’s a suggestion: about half an hour before your scheduled sleep time, put away your smart phone and the computer. Shut off the TV. Take a warm bath. In your bedroom, stretch out your body and give your legs a good massage. Consider turning on relaxing music or putting in ear plugs to block out any outside noise. Hopefully you and your baby will finally get some much deserved rest.