Restless legs syndrome during pregnancy: a description of the symptoms, causes and methods of treatment

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

During pregnancy, a woman's body undergoes various changes. They are connected with the preparation for the appearance of the child. Restless legs syndrome during pregnancy is a common occurrence. Soreness in the lower extremities is felt at rest or sleep. Many future mothers do not pay attention to this. But in this case, you need to see a doctor who will prescribe treatment.

What is this?

Restless legs syndrome during pregnancy is manifested by discomfort in the lower extremities, itching, goosebumps, burning, trembling of the feet, calves, thighs and legs. Doctors call it Ekbom's syndrome. It is difficult to identify pathology, since all of these symptoms can be confused by the consequences of hormonal changes.

But there is one sign that indicates that restless legs syndrome arose during pregnancy. Symptoms of pathologyappear when the woman is completely relaxed, in a supine position. With vigorous activity, the signs may disappear. Therefore, more often the syndrome occurs at night.

Symptoms

Usually, restless legs syndrome during pregnancy manifests itself as:

• neurological disorder;
• problems with legs, discomfort in them;
• increase in symptoms when lying down;
• pain in the hips, ankles, feet and shins.

Unpleasant signs are associated with the active restructuring of the body. There is a jump in hormones, there is a lack of valuable trace elements - iron, folic acid. Due to stagnation of blood vessels suffer - this leads to discomfort.

Occurrence of restless legs syndrome during pregnancy delivers discomfort. But it can appear not only in women carrying a baby. The problem manifests itself in people of all ages, including men.

Reasons

Even he althy people who do not have comorbidities can develop restless leg syndrome. What's this? When you lie down and relax, there is discomfort in the legs, more often in the evening and at night. Sometimes it develops from the action of hereditary factors.

In pregnant women, pathology manifests itself quite often. There is a list of conditions that lead to illness. The disease appears due to:

• lack of calcium and magnesium;
• iron deficiency anemia;
• increased swelling of the legs;
• quick weight gain;
• use of certain drugs.

Secondary restless legs syndrome appears with dangerous ailments. Pregnant women should pay attention to dangerous conditions such as:

• diabetes;
• varicose veins of the legs;
• chronic diseases;
• thyroid disease;
• rhematoid arthritis;
• alcoholism;
• osteochondrosis;
• disorders in the work of the kidneys.

Only a doctor can advise what to do. Restless legs syndrome during pregnancy should not be associated with a specific ailment. Probably, this is a complex of physiological conditions that develop under the influence of certain factors. In official medicine, there is no exact answer why Ekbom's syndrome appears. But there is a version according to which biochemical reactions are observed in the brain, which are caused by a lack of minerals that regulate the functioning of the musculoskeletal system.

There is also a version that the syndrome can be inherited. Pathology is more often detected in women, middle-aged and elderly people. Anxiety symptoms can appear in 20-30 years. The first signs in pregnant women appear at the 14th week and may remain until the birth of the child. Unpleasant sensations usually disappear without a trace after childbirth, but sometimes they persist for a long time.

Signs

Usually pathology manifests itself in the form:

1. Uncomfortable sensation in the legs, which occurs several times a week. Usually there is tingling, nagging pain, trembling, burning, goosebumps, leg cramps.
2. Exacerbation of pain in the legsin the evening, and the peak is in the middle of the night. Gradually, the discomfort disappears.
3. Unpleasant sensations that are localized in the thighs, legs, feet.
4. Waves of discomfort lasting 15-30 seconds.
5. Insomnia as time is spent stretching legs.
6. Increased discomfort when lying down.
7. Acute form of the syndrome that manifests itself during the day.

Women may have some or all of the symptoms. In any case, it causes discomfort to pregnant women. What to do in this situation? It is better to consult a doctor.

Pathology leads to the desire to move their legs, so women struggle with inconvenience and pain, waking up at night. Warm-up and massage the legs alleviate the condition.

Often the syndrome is supplemented by similar sensations that appear in the hands. Twitching of the lower and upper extremities may occur. Severe discomfort after midnight can disturb the emotional state.

Diagnosis

Before starting restless legs syndrome treatment at home, it is necessary to undergo diagnostic measures. The first manifestations of pathology are observed in the second trimester. At this time, pregnant women have already passed all the examinations, so the gynecologist is familiar with the state of the woman's he alth.

An experienced physician can use the available data to determine whether a given syndrome is considered primary or whether there is an underlying ailment that leads to a neurological disorder. If there is any doubt aboutdiagnosis, the specialist prescribes additional examinations.

During the diagnosis, the doctor takes into account the following manifestations:

1. There is a constant desire to move the legs to eliminate goosebumps, pulling pains and discomfort.
2. Symptoms may worsen at night when the body is at rest.
3. Paresthesias appear - a violation of the sensitivity of the legs.
4. Improves rapidly with exercise.

The attending physician takes into account the results of blood tests. When a woman complains of some symptoms, she needs to donate blood for a general and biochemical analysis. It allows you to determine the presence of a lack of folic acid or iron. If there is a problem, the woman is prescribed remedies that will improve her condition, but are not capable of harming the child.

Confirmation of diagnosis

Diagnosed by a neurologist. According to the ICD, restless legs syndrome is designated by the code G25.8. At the appointment, this specialist should be told about the symptoms, the frequency of manifestation of signs, their intensity and duration. It is not easy to identify pathology, but thanks to research it is possible.

Now a diagnostic technique is used, which is called polysomnography. The study performed with its help, allows you to identify the functioning of the nervous system, involuntary physical activity. The essence of the study is as follows:

1. To the body of a woman who is in a state of sleep, specialsensors.
2. Sensors detect the exact number of involuntary leg movements.

This is how pathology is detected in all women. The information obtained helps to identify the three stages of the syndrome:

1. Easy - 5-20 movements of the lower extremities occur per hour.
2. Medium - 20-60 movements appear per hour.
3. Severe - 60 or more movements are observed per hour.

If there are no deviations, then perhaps the syndrome appears due to jumps in hormones or stagnation of blood in the vessels. You can't fix the problem with medication. Treating restless legs syndrome at home is primarily about the right lifestyle.

Folk remedies

If Restless Leg Syndrome is diagnosed, alternative treatment will be the best solution. The doctor takes into account that pathology often appears with a lack of useful substances, therefore he prescribes dietary supplements and vitamin-mineral complexes, including magnesium, folic acid, iron and other supplements.

It is allowed to take these drugs, subject to the recommended doses. The effectiveness of these drugs is not supported by scientific studies. Pregnant women should consult their doctor before taking any medications.

Treatment of restless legs syndrome at home involves the use of safe therapeutic methods. They allow you to quickly eliminate pain. To achieve a positive effect, the treatment of restless legs syndrome during pregnancy includes the following:Events:

1. Physical exercise. It will be possible to eliminate night pains with the help of squats, stretching, extensions, bending the legs, walking. Exercise should be done before bed, but you should not overexert yourself. Excessive zeal has the opposite effect, and discomfort during the night's sleep will worsen.
2. Physiotherapy treatments and massages. The heat that appears from the rush of blood to the massaged muscles has a beneficial effect on the joints and bones, and increases metabolism.
3. Contrast shower. With it, warm and cold water alternate, rubbing is performed.
4. Full rest. You need to go to bed before you become very tired.
5. Dieting. Avoid sugary foods, chocolate, cocoa, Coca-Cola, caffeinated drinks from the diet.

As evidenced by the reviews, restless legs syndrome, if these rules are observed, will be eliminated. These measures should also be followed to prevent the onset of discomfort.

What else to do?

With restless legs syndrome, folk remedies and compliance with the simplest hygiene requirements allow you to quickly get rid of discomfort. For this you need:

1. Choose comfortable sleepwear. The best materials are cotton and natural silk.
2. Ventilate the bedroom every day to maintain a normal microclimate. This room should be free from extraneous sounds and loud noise.
3. Treatment supplement with meditation and yoga. You need to learn how to relax properly using simple breathingtechnician.
4. Use peppermint oil to rub your feet. The product soothes and allows you to eliminate excess tension, and a light massage relieves pain.
5. Avoid stress, depression.
6. Go swimming.
7. Reduce the amount of mental stress.
8. Eat more vitamins and minerals. There are many of them in fresh fruits, vegetables, multivitamin complexes.
9. Eat at least two apples a day.
10. Make time for pleasurable hobbies.
11. Take sedatives after consulting your doctor. Motherwort decoction has such an effect.

These measures can significantly improve well-being. Pregnant women should use effective and safe methods to eliminate the disease. With them, it will be possible to alleviate the condition, get rid of unpleasant symptoms.

Effective measures

According to the reviews of pregnant women, the following methods can alleviate the condition:

1. Pain disappears after eating bananas.
2. Drawing pains disappear after rubbing in the Asterisk balm.
3. Effective acupuncture.
4. Change in sleeping position helps.
5. Performing exercises - legs should be raised from a prone position and held for 15 minutes.
6. Warm sea s alt baths.
7. Lubricating ankles and heels with menthol ointment.

These ways to improve the condition were identified in a practical way. For many expectant mothers, they are a great help if used regularly.

Somepregnant women cannot eliminate the syndrome with the use of medicines, exercise and massages. According to reviews, many have to go to a psychiatrist.

Due to the individual characteristics of the organism, the methods of treatment may differ. When treating, you need to take into account your own feelings. The chosen method should have a positive effect on the body of a pregnant woman.

Prevention

Preventive measures can prevent discomfort in the legs:

1. Useful frequent walks in the fresh air.
2. You need to ventilate the room regularly.
3. Sleep should be full - at least 10 hours. You should go to bed at 22:00, no later.
4. The basis of the diet should be vegetables, fruits, dairy products.
5. The regime of the day must be observed: getting up and going to bed at the same time.
6. You should spend as little time as possible in front of the computer and TV.

These rules are effective if followed from early pregnancy. Thanks to regular prevention, the chances of a calm childbearing increase.

Consequences

The syndrome negatively affects the well-being of a woman, but does not affect the he alth and intrauterine development of the child. By itself, it is not dangerous. The threat is the main ailment against which this deviation develops.

Restless legs syndrome may be accompanied by:

• varicose veins;
• thrombosis;
• diabetes;
• metabolic disorder.

Timely therapy is important for the he alth of the woman and the unborn child. If the symptoms of pathology last for a long time, there is insomnia at night and severe drowsiness during the day. It usually takes a long time to find a suitable sleeping position. Restless sleep creates additional inconvenience.

Women with this syndrome often develop depression, poor he alth, apathy. Internal discord affects the appearance of the pregnant woman. Her skin becomes pale, bruises form under her eyes, and her hair becomes dull and brittle.

Thus, the syndrome brings a lot of discomfort. Painful symptoms can occur both regularly and episodically. Therefore, timely diagnosis and treatment are important.