pregnancy RLS

[JNdavis]

I was on medication before I was pregnant because my RL was so severe. Since being pregnant the medication wasn’t advised due to lack of research. I am approaching 32 weeks pregnant and it’s worse than ever! I can’t sleep. Iv tried iron supplements, tens machine, ice packs, magnesium cream and bath salts. Nothing is helping and working full time with the lack of sleep is seriously taking its toll. Can any one recommend anything I have not tried that safe during pregnancy please.

[SueJohnson]

Welcome to the forum. You will find lots of help, support and understanding here.

Take lots of iron because your baby is robbing you of it and you need it anyways for RLS. However don't take it more than once every 24 hours because when you take iron, the body responds by releasing hepcidin a peptide hormone which prevents you from absorbing any more iron for up to 24 hours.

Meanwhile some things that can make RLS symptoms worse for some people are caffeine, sugar, carbs, foods high in sodium, foods that cause inflammation, ice cream, eating late at night, dehydration, MSG, collagen supplements, electrolyte imbalance, melatonin, stress and vigorous exercise. Some things that help some people include caffeine, moderate exercise, weighted blankets, compression socks, elastic bandages, masturbation, magnesium glycinate, fennel, low oxalate diet, selenium, 5 minute shower alternating 20 seconds cold water with 10 seconds hot water finishing with hot water for another couple of minutes, hot baths, distractions, applying a topical magnesium lotion or spray, doing a magnesium salts soak, vitamins B1, B3, B6, B12, D3, K2, if deficient, and potassium and copper if deficient, massage including using a massage gun, vibration devices, using a standing desk, listening to music, meditation and yoga. Keep a food diary to see if any food make your RLS worse

Many medicines and OTC supplements can make RLS worse. If you are taking any and you list them here, I can tell you if any make RLS symptoms worse and if so may be able to give you a safe substitute for pregnancy.

By the way it would really help us to give you advice if you would indicate on your profile what country you live in.

[Baz33 in reply to SueJohnson]

We would be lost with you .

[Hidden]

Hi JN, you should be able to get substantial relief by taking that iron on an empty stomach about an hour before bed and away from all other supplements. The form of iron that works best is ferrous bisglycinate and I recommend two capsules or around 50mg. It should work that very first night. I know you’re pregnant, but the RLS sounds bad even for someone who is pregnant. Do you have any other medical conditions? Are you taking any SSRIs or melatonin or proton pump inhibitors? These will make the symptoms of your RLS worse than they have to be. Good luck.

[JNdavis in reply to Hidden]

I suffer with anxiety so I am on fluoxetine but a very low dose. Other than that I have no other medical issues at present

[Hidden in reply to JNdavis]

Oh no, even a low dose will turn your RLS into the devil incarnate. You will never have a moments peace. Anxiety&Worry are my middle names. Talk to your doctor about tapering and switching to Trazodone which is RLS friendly. On the bright side, the SSRI only worsens symptoms, it doesn’t worsen our genetically lousy dopamine receptors (the way the DAs do) and MAY even up-regulate them. Sooo, when it’s out of your system I predict great things for you. In the meantime, take that 50mg of ferrous bisglycinate before bed on an empty stomach and get some much needed sleep.

[SueJohnson in reply to JNdavis]

I agree with SalemLake. Fluoxetine makes RLS worse for many. Trazodone is safe for RLS, but I don't know whether it should be taken during pregnancy.

[Madlegs1]

My daughter got RLS in her third trimester ( she hadn't had RLS before)

I made up a lotion of epsom salts and water ,by equal parts, which she slathered onto her legs.

She found that helped a lot.

However, if you have had chronic RLS before this ,then what Sue says comes into play.

I hope all goes well with you, and you will end up with a delightful little bundle of joy very soon!

[JNdavis in reply to Madlegs1]

I will certainly give that ago. Many thanks for your kind comment

[JNdavis]

just to add. I get the restlessness in my right arm as well as both legs. Is this common? TIA

[Madlegs1 in reply to JNdavis]

If you were on a dopamine agonist before, (mirapex or ropinerol,) then this might be an element of augmentation.

[JNdavis in reply to Madlegs1]

I have never heard of that. What is augmentation. I clearly have so much to learn

[Madlegs1 in reply to JNdavis]

Check it out. Only applies to dopamine agonists.

Basically the med stops working and the RLS symptoms get worse and spread to arms and torso.

Goodnight!😍

[Hidden in reply to Madlegs1]

Gentlemen’s wager, Madlegs? It sounds like any RLS med JN was taking was stopped 8 months ago. My money is on the fluoxetine, not augmentation at this point.

[Hidden in reply to JNdavis]

JN, when I was taking Melatonin (0.5mg) I felt the RLS not only in my legs and arms, but chest and neck as well. I would throw my head back, arch my back, throw punches while in bed, all in a vain attempt to stay there. I never made the connection between my newly severe RLS and the melatonin. Believe it or not, melatonin is not all that different from SSRIs in that they both antagonize dopamine. Two or three days of that then I discovered the iron at night trick on the internet. I feel like it saved my sanity. Went on like that for about a year until I read that melatonin makes RLS worse. The day I stopped the melatonin is the day my RLS went silent. Really silent. And no need for nightly iron.

[Hidden]

Welcome to the forum.

As SalemLake says, it's most likely the fluoxetine causing the RLS.

From memory, I believe that codeine is sometimes prescribed in pregnancy for RLS as this is one of the safer medications. But please research / check with your doctor on this.

[Loopylegs]

I agree with Sue & co about the iron, I had severe rls in my 7 month of pregnancy, the baby is taking your iron, I took an iron rich supplemted water called spatone as the iron is in its natural form and absorbs really well, my rls eased after about 10 days on the iron water, if u can't get that type of iron, iron biglycinate is the next best, you need all the rest you can get before the baby comes, lots if super advice here on this forum, hope it helps!