Restless Legs Syndrom (RLS)
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Restless Legs Syndrom (RLS)
| Wed, 06-20-2007 - 9:26am |
What it is and why it happens
If you've started feeling an uncontrollable urge to move around in bed to relieve crawling, tingling, or burning sensations deep inside your legs, you most likely have restless legs syndrome (RLS). Some researchers estimate that up to 20 percent of pregnant women develop this problem during the last few months of pregnancy, though others believe it's much less common than that.
You'll usually notice symptoms when you're at rest, especially right before you fall asleep or when sitting still for long periods, such as at the movies or during long car rides. Most of the time, you'll feel it in your legs, but some women experience it in their arms as well. Moving your limbs brings immediate relief, but unfortunately, it's only temporary. As soon as you sit or lie down, the sensations return. Your restless legs may even be waking you up once you're asleep. If symptoms are disrupting your sleep night after night, you may end up seriously fatigued. The good news is that if your RLS started during your pregnancy, it's likely to disappear altogether within two to four weeks after you give birth.
There are a number of theories about why some women experience RLS during pregnancy. Iron deficiency, folate deficiency, hormonal changes, and circulatory changes are all possible culprits. Recent research suggests that women may develop the sensations when certain brain cells aren't getting enough iron. Some medications, such as antihistamines in various cold and allergy remedies, seem to make the symptoms worse for some people. About half of all sufferers have a family history of the condition.
If you've started feeling an uncontrollable urge to move around in bed to relieve crawling, tingling, or burning sensations deep inside your legs, you most likely have restless legs syndrome (RLS). Some researchers estimate that up to 20 percent of pregnant women develop this problem during the last few months of pregnancy, though others believe it's much less common than that.
You'll usually notice symptoms when you're at rest, especially right before you fall asleep or when sitting still for long periods, such as at the movies or during long car rides. Most of the time, you'll feel it in your legs, but some women experience it in their arms as well. Moving your limbs brings immediate relief, but unfortunately, it's only temporary. As soon as you sit or lie down, the sensations return. Your restless legs may even be waking you up once you're asleep. If symptoms are disrupting your sleep night after night, you may end up seriously fatigued. The good news is that if your RLS started during your pregnancy, it's likely to disappear altogether within two to four weeks after you give birth.
There are a number of theories about why some women experience RLS during pregnancy. Iron deficiency, folate deficiency, hormonal changes, and circulatory changes are all possible culprits. Recent research suggests that women may develop the sensations when certain brain cells aren't getting enough iron. Some medications, such as antihistamines in various cold and allergy remedies, seem to make the symptoms worse for some people. About half of all sufferers have a family history of the condition.
What you can do about it
Although there are drugs that treat RLS, most are not recommended during pregnancy. Instead, ask your doctor or midwife whether you should try iron supplements. Iron can sometimes relieve RLS even in women who don't appear to be iron-deficient. Some women find it helpful to stretch their legs, get a massage, use hot or cold packs, take hot or cool baths, or practice relaxation techniques. Avoid caffeine and antihistamines because they can make symptoms worse. Finally, avoid lying in bed reading or watching television before you go to sleep, because the longer you lie still, the worse your symptoms will become. Instead, go to bed only when you're actually ready to turn in.
