RLS in Pregnancy

[nikki2801]

Hi

I am 28weeks pregnant and have restless legs and arms at night for about 6 weeks now. I am averaging 2-3 hours sleep, if that a night. So far I have been trying to treat at home with a combination of Epsom salts baths, massage, stretching, magnesium supplements and essential oils. Nothing seems to be working and it is getting worse! I have routine blood tests due this week that I am hoping might flag up something as the cause. All I know is I can not go another 12 weeks until due date like this, I also have a 4 year old so I can’t rest during the day either. Any suggestions of something I haven’t already tried?

[Joolsg]

I would ask for a full blood count test and ensure serum ferritin is above 100 and serum ferritin above 60.

Many of us with severe RLS first developed it during pregnancy and looking back- it was linked to mild anaemia.

However low serum folic acid seems to be the main risk factor in pregnancy.

Dr Buchfuhrer in his book ‘Clinical Management of RLS ‘ does say that low dose methadone or oxycodone is prescribed in very severe cases where sleep deprivation itself may cause prematurity or difficult delivery. No other drugs are considered during pregnancy.

‘However all opioids must be discontinued late in the pregnancy as they have been associated with neonatal withdrawal syndrome and respiratory depression’

If you’re in the UK I doubt any doctor will prescribe opioids but in any case, all drugs for RLS,like dopamine agonists carry risks and temazepam is contraindicated ( my obstetrician gave me this during pregnancy and it was horrendous- drugged me but didn’t stop the RLS at all).

So, I suggest you take gentle iron and folic acid supplements and magnesium and keep a detailed food and drink diary to see if anything makes it worse or better.

I sympathise as I know how horrendous RLS in pregnancy is. I also had a toddler who would wake me up at 5-6 am after little or no sleep so I understand what you’re going through.

The only other alternative ideas I can think of are a weighted blanket - some people find it helps.

[Jumpey]

I had it too so I know how difficult it is for you .

I agree with Manerva.Mine was due to undiagnosed anaemia. The RLS stopped immediately I gave birth.Then returned a few years later.

Sending love and empathy.x

[Lapsedrunner]

I also remember this well! Definitely get on some decent iron if your ferritin is low. Grab any sort of daytime rest you can, prioritise it over housework. Can you do any deals on play dates to give you the occasional break?

[Graham3196 in reply to Lapsedrunner]

How much extra iron is it safe to have for the baby?

[DicCarlson]

The growth of the fetus is responsible for the possible iron deficiency - get the actual ferritin level and if it's low - Ferrous Bisglycinate Chelate is a non-constipating iron supplement. It's also available as a patch from PatchMD.

[CMACH]

Your post breaks my heart. Sleep is life when you have babies.

I have chronic inflamation and RLS when I eat something unhealthy before bed.

I've had to cut out sugar and watch out for sneaky additives like MSG in the food I eat.

Hope you are able to find solutions soon. My daughter keeps saying " food is medicine" and I believe in large part, it is.

Try adding a splash of Bragg's Apple Cider Vinegar to your water before bed or as a spritzer through out the day. They say It helps with inflamation by reducing acidity. Especially good for acid reflux and heartburn.