RLS During Pregnancy: How to Relieve Restless Legs Syndrome

Pregnancy comes with its fair share of annoying (when not downright debilitating) symptoms. Morning sickness, insomnia or trouble sleeping, heartburn, and an almost constant urge to use the toilet might already be on your radar. But there is something much more bizarre that you might be dealing with.

The official name is Restless Leg Syndrome (often abbreviated as RLS), and it involves an uncomfortable feeling of tingling and crawling in your legs and feet. As a result, you might feel the need to keep moving your legs constantly to get rid of the discomfort. 

Does any of this sound familiar? If it does, you might be one of the many pregnant people suffering from RLS during pregnancy. Don’t worry, though: in this article, we will give you three great tips on how to relieve your restless legs and enjoy a pleasant, healthy pregnancy.

1. Make Some Lifestyle Changes

Paying attention to what you eat and drink while pregnant can help you better cope with restless legs syndrome. For example, make sure to curb your daily amount of caffeine and soda. Also, try to eat a diet rich in fruit, vegetables, and lean protein.

It can also help to exercise a little every day. Something as simple as a daily walk, some gentle pilates or cardiovascular exercise, or a pregnancy-friendly swimming session might do the trick. 

Lastly, consider building a bedtime routine and sticking to it. Try to wind down before bed with some relaxing activities, go to bed at the same time every night, and make sure that your bedroom is as clean and tidy as possible to help induce a night of restful sleep.

2. Try Acupuncture and Massage

If your medical practitioner approves it and your pregnancy is not high risk, you might want to try acupuncture. This involves inserting very fine needles in specific points of the body to help release stress and ease the pain. If you want to try acupuncture, remember to always choose a qualified and reliable therapist.

Alternatively, you can attend some regular sessions of pregnancy massage. This can reduce the discomfort that you might be experiencing at night.

3. Practice Yoga and Meditation

Just like many other pregnancy-related symptoms and side effects, restless legs syndrome can be relieved by adopting a more relaxed and positive attitude. One way to achieve this is by practicing daily meditation or mindfulness, as well as incorporating some gentle yoga flows or stretches into your routine.

Relieve RLS During Pregnancy

If you are pregnant and dealing with the frustrating symptoms of restless legs syndrome, then be reassured: there are ways to relieve RLS during pregnancy as mentioned.

To recap, you could try acupuncture or pregnancy massage, and practice yoga and meditation. Remember to also ensure that you eat a healthy and varied diet, drink minimum amounts of caffeine, and follow a bedtime routine that can help you sleep better at night.

Would you like more customized help for your sleep problems? Contact the team at Sleep Dynamics today.