Relief from Restless Legs During Pregnancy

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a common pregnancy symptom. Many people have never experienced this sort of thing until pregnancy and thankfully, it clears up after they give birth. For those who have been experiencing it all of their life, it may worsen especially in the third trimester. While people don't know exactly why pregnancy makes RLS appear or worse, there are some things you can do without taking medication to get some relief.

*Take a warm shower or bath
Sometimes taking a warm shower or bath will relax your muscles so you can fall asleep quickly before your legs start to twitch or get antsy.

*Elevate your legs
Take some pillows and place them underneath your legs so that they are higher. Since you have to sleep on your side, this may seem a bit uncomfortable but if you are desperate this may the relief you need so that you will at least fall asleep, at which time you can then lower your legs back down.

*Stretch your legs
When you just can't take laying down anymore, no matter what position you are in, try standing up and do calf lifts. You can also try walking around for a few minutes. After you feel some relief, try to lie down again and see if you fall asleep.

*Don't go to bed unless you are tired
Sometimes not giving your body a chance to start feeling the restless legs is a great way to find relief. Stay up until you are so tired you can't keep your eyes open. This may not be very hard since you may be fatigued from the pregnancy anyway.

*Take your mind off it
Thinking about it can make it seem worse because it frustrates you. Read a book or watch some TV so you don't think about it.

*Don't drink milk close to bedtime
A theory of the cause of RLS in pregnancy is that there is a lack of magnesium due to milk consumption. Sometimes it helps not to drink milk before bed. Since milk is important during pregnancy make sure you get your intake in the morning and afternoon hours.

Talking to Your Doctor
If you have tried everything and you still are unable to get relief from your RLS in pregnancy, you may have to talk to your doctor. There may not be anything he or she can prescribe you but there may be something else that can help you. The only other advice I have for you is that pregnancy is temporary so hang on and soon you will find relief from those restless legs even if you continue to have them but at a lesser degree.