Restless Legs Syndrome at Night? Pregnancy Might Be to Blame

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) during pregnancy is a common condition that causes uncomfortable sensations in the legs and an irresistible urge to move them, especially when resting or trying to sleep. It most often develops during the third trimester and, while frustrating, is usually temporary and goes away after delivery.

Learn what might be causing RLS and how to get some relief.

Key Takeaways

• Restless legs syndrome is common in late pregnancy. About 15% of pregnant women experience RLS, most often during the third trimester. It can cause uncomfortable sensations in the legs and a strong urge to move them, especially at night.
• The exact cause isn't clear, but several factors may contribute. Hormonal changes, genetics, iron deficiency, stress, fatigue, and sleep deprivation may all play a role in triggering or worsening RLS symptoms during pregnancy.
• There's no guaranteed cure during pregnancy, but there are ways to manage it. Gentle movement, good sleep habits, relaxation techniques, and checking for iron deficiency may help. 
• Thankfully, symptoms are temporary. RLS typically goes away within a few days to four weeks after delivery.

Is what I'm feeling restless legs syndrome?

If you're one of the 15% of expecting moms who experience restless legs syndrome, you'll notice uncomfortable tingling, creeping, and crawling sensations in your feet and legs, accompanied by an overwhelming urge to move them — especially as you're trying to get to sleep.

(As if you weren't already having a tough time getting quality shut-eye, between heartburn, that urgent need to use the loo every two hours, leg cramps, and a stubborn case of pregnancy insomnia.)

RLS can strike at any time, but it most often shows up in the third trimester.

"It's like the nerves in your calves are constantly twitching and pulling your leg so you have to consistently move for a while to make it go away," says What to Expect Community mom MrsElleDavis89.

Get more expert advice, keep track of your pregnancy symptoms, and connect with other moms-to-be in our free What to Expect app.

When does restless legs syndrome start during pregnancy?

Though it can show up any time, most women don't experience restless legs syndrome until later in pregnancy, usually during the third trimester.

And although you might notice RLS more at night, it can strike any time when you're lying or sitting down.

"It's terrible, especially when trying to sleep," says Community mom Jlfrank2016. "Worth every bit of it for this bundle of joy I'm carrying, but no fun cause I'm already tired and it's not helping the sleep situation!"

Track your symptoms in the What to Expect app — and see what your body is telling you.

What causes restless legs syndrome during pregnancy?

Experts aren't sure exactly what causes RLS, though genetics are probably a factor. Other things that may trigger or make RLS worse include:

• Hormones, especially estradiol and progesterone, which surge during the third trimester and fall soon after birth, mirroring the pattern often seen with RLS symptoms
• Environmental and dietary factors, like iron deficiency and sensitivity to certain foods
• Lack of sleep
• Anxiety, depression, and stress

And that growing baby doing the samba in utero and pressing down on the nerves around your sacrum certainly doesn't help matters.

"I can't get into a comfortable position, and my legs constantly feel like they need to kick, stretch, jolt, move, etc., but even when I do there is no relief," says Community mom Raylieray.

What can I do about restless legs syndrome during pregnancy?

Unfortunately, the usual treatments for leg cramps — flexing and stretching — may not work, and prescription medications that might relieve the restlessness are often off-limits during pregnancy.

So this is one pregnancy symptom you'll simply have to wait out. Still, there are a few things you can try for relief:

• Get some Zzzs. Even though RLS is notorious for keeping expectant moms up at night, fatigue can make your symptoms worse. That said, you don't have to force yourself to stay in bed during an RLS episode. Instead, get up and take a slow walk down the hallway. Gentle movement may help ease the discomfort.
• Distract yourself. When your feet start jumping on their own, grab a crossword puzzle, start knitting, or try another activity to distract yourself from the annoying symptoms of RLS.
• Keep a food journal. Note what you've eaten before an RLS flare-up. Some women find that certain foods — such as carbs eaten late in the day — can trigger restless legs. A journal may help you identify patterns.
• Get tested. Ask your practitioner about getting screened for iron-deficiency anemia, which some experts believe may be linked to RLS. In the meantime, it doesn't hurt to fill up on iron-rich foods like spinach, beans, chickpeas, and dried fruit.
• Heat it up. Sometimes a warm (not hot) bath or a heating pad or ice pack can bring temporary relief. "When I'd wake up and it was really bad I'd turn the heating pad on and wrap it around my calves/knees, and it was instantly better!" says Community mom marchmom22.
• Try acupuncture. With your practitioner's green light, acupuncture may help. Yoga, meditation, or other relaxation techniques may also be worth a try.

"I use a weighted blanket at night and if it's really bad my husband will rub my legs before I try to go to sleep," says Community member MaggieBrett.

Can I prevent restless legs syndrome during pregnancy?

Unfortunately, this might be one of those symptoms you'll have to learn to live with until your baby is born. But don't worry — it's temporary.

When can I expect my restless legs syndrome to end?

Symptoms should go away within four weeks of delivery. In fact, one study found that 97% of women with RLS found complete relief within a few days after giving birth.