Free Article: Pregnancy RLS

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Understanding And Coping With Pregnancy RLS
By Elizabeth Penning

Women who are pregnant experience a number of changes in their body as well as other symptoms associated with their pregnancy. Some of those changes in their body include an increase in the size of their breasts and a decrease in energy levels. Also, a pregnant woman often feels nauseous or actually has frequent episodes of vomiting during the first trimester stage of her pregnancy.

In addition to these normal side effects of being pregnant is the possibility of a woman experiencing pregnancy RLS. Pregnancy RLS or restless leg syndrome is a combination of uncomfortable feelings that the lower extremities experience. It is estimated that one fifth of pregnant women develop this condition in the last trimester of their pregnancy.

What Is Pregnancy RLS

Pregnancy RLS is described by pregnant women as burning and painful feelings within the leg. In addition, sufferers also define their pregnancy RLS episodes through words such as crawling, burning and tingling.

Generally, the symptoms of pregnancy RLS present themselves when the woman is resting. Pregnant women also indicate that this disorder is especially prominent after extensive periods of being seated and when lying down to obtain sleep.

Obviously, pregnancy RLS can be very painful in addition to robbing the pregnant woman of her much needed rest. However, the good news is that unlike those who suffer from restless leg syndrome on a continual basis, pregnancy RLS usually subsides once the pregnancy has run its full course.

Causes Of Pregnancy RLS

There is no cure for RLS and its cause is undetermined. At this point, there are only speculations as to why some women experienced pregnancy RLS. Some of those speculations include that pregnant women are not receiving enough iron either through a supplement or in their diet.

In addition, certain over the counter medications have shown that there use exacerbates pregnancy RLS. The specific ingredient in those medications that seem to worsen episodes of restless leg syndrome is antihistamines. This ingredient is found in various sinus or cold treatment products. In addition, studies strongly suggest that restless leg syndrome is inherited through a woman's genetic makeup.

Treatment Of Pregnancy RLS
Given the condition of the woman, there are no prescription medications available for the treatment of the symptoms affiliated with pregnancy RLS. However, there are some practical non-medical treatments that can be performed.

In conjunction with the advice offered by your attending medical professional, the pregnant woman can ask about the use of iron supplements. In addition, it is important to provide symptomatic treatment for your legs. This treatment can be in the form of massaging your legs, treating your legs with hot or cold compresses, immersing your legs in hot or cold water, etc. In addition, it is important to avoid caffeine.

Author Details:
Elizabeth Penning, copywriter for various websites including, Natural Deodorant and The A to Z of with her main interests being holistic medicine and all things natural.

Article Source: Free Health Articles

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