Restless legs syndrome can annoy you, making you uncomfortable when you’re trying to sleep. No worries, we will help you figure out how to make things better.😃
Restless legs syndrome
🤰What is restless legs syndrome?
If you notice an uncomfortable and disconcerting tingling, crawling in your feet🦶 and legs🦵 with an uncontrollable urge to move your legs to relieve these feelings, you probably have restless legs syndrome (RLS). Symptoms tend to get worse when you try to rest, especially right before you sleep😴 or when you have been sitting for a long period of time.
🤰When does RLS hit?
Fortunately these symptoms are temporary when you’re pregnant.🤰 The symptoms typically peak during the third trimester and gradually disappear by the time your baby is born.
RLS doesn’t cause harm to your pregnancy but it definitely keeps you awake and drains you at night.🌃🌙 You probably won’t be able to get enough sleep, leaving you seriously fatigued and less able to function well during the day.⛅
Causes of restless legs syndrome
Experts are not sure of what actually causes RLS, but genetics may play an important role.😶 Some culprit suggestions can be environmental and dietary factors, such as iron deficiency🩸, hormonal changes.
Things that worsen RLS
🤰Caffeine
Caffeine☕, even if you just take a sip of caffeine, is enough to make RLS symptoms worse. You should consider eliminating caffeine out of your diet if RLS symptoms are bothering you.
🤰Smoking
Smoking also triggers RLS.🚬 The more you stay inactive and lie still, the more likely RLS will occur. Make sure you go to bed only when you’re actually ready to go to sleep.
🤰Medications
Most drugs used to treat RLS are not recommended to pregnant moms.💊 Some medications such as the antihistamines in cold and allergy remedies also worsen RLS, making you more uncomfortable so you should consult with your doctor about your current symptoms before taking them.👩⚕️
Things that relieve RLS
🤰Stay active
You might not want to force yourself to suffer an RLS episode while you’re just lying still in bed.🛏️ Get up and walk slowly down the hallway for a few times. Gentle movements can help ease the discomfort and make you fall asleep more easily.
🤰Distract yourself
You can try some relaxation techniques to distract yourself and temporarily forget about the pain.🥰 Immerse yourself in other activities that you like, or do something relaxing like massages to make you fall asleep on the first try.😃
🤰Change your diet
Although there are some doubts about iron deficiency being a cause of RLS, it won’t hurt if you go tested.👩⚕️ You can fill up on iron-rich, healthy foods to not only boost your health during pregnancy but also deteriorate pain.🍲
🤰Heat/ cold therapy
Sometimes a warm bath🛀 or a heating pad can bring relief. Some moms report to try to apply an ice pack or soak their feet with the coldest water possible to numb the pain. Anything that works for you, go for it!🧊