Restless Leg Syndrome
Uncomfortable sensations in legs with urge to move them, worse at night.
Medically reviewed by healthcare professionals | Last reviewed: March 2026
📅 When It Occurs
Usually third trimester, especially at night
📊 How Common
Affects up to 26% of pregnant women
Overview
Restless leg syndrome (RLS) causes uncomfortable sensations in your legs - crawling, tingling, aching, or itching - with an overwhelming urge to move them. Symptoms worsen when resting, especially at night, and improve with movement.
Pregnancy increases the risk of RLS, affecting up to 26% of pregnant women, particularly in the third trimester. The exact cause isn't known but may relate to iron deficiency, hormones, or changes in dopamine.
RLS can significantly disrupt sleep, worsening pregnancy fatigue. While there's no cure, various strategies can help manage symptoms until delivery, when it typically resolves.
📆 By Trimester
First Trimester
Uncommon
Second Trimester
May begin to appear
Third Trimester
Most common and severe
🔍 What Causes It?
- •Iron deficiency or low ferritin
- •Folate deficiency
- •Hormonal changes
- •Changes in dopamine system
- •Genetic predisposition
- •Worsened by fatigue
💡 Relief Strategies
- ✓Check iron and ferritin levels (supplement if low)
- ✓Ensure adequate folate intake
- ✓Massage legs before bed
- ✓Apply heat or cold to legs
- ✓Stretch calves and legs
- ✓Take warm bath before bed
- ✓Regular moderate exercise
- ✓Avoid caffeine
- ✓Establish good sleep routine
- ✓Walk or move legs when symptoms occur
⚠️ When to Call Your Doctor
Contact your healthcare provider if you experience:
- ⚠Severe symptoms interfering with sleep
- ⚠Symptoms affecting daily activities
- ⚠Iron levels haven't been checked
- ⚠Need evaluation for underlying causes
- ⚠Symptoms persist after delivery
Related Symptoms
📅 Explore by Trimester
Learn how this symptom and others change throughout your pregnancy journey: