Restless Leg Syndrome in Pregnancy: Finding Relief with Osteopathy
Legs keeping you awake in pregnancy?
You finally get into bed after a long day, get comfortable and hope for a good night's sleep — only to find that your legs won't settle.
You feel an uncomfortable urge to move them. Perhaps there's tingling, crawling, pulling, aching or an unpleasant sensation deep in your legs.
You move them around, get out of bed, stretch, walk around the bedroom and try again.
And then, just as you start to drift off... your legs start again.
If this sounds familiar, you may be experiencing restless legs syndrome (RLS) during pregnancy.
Restless legs syndrome is common during pregnancy, particularly later in pregnancy. It can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you're already dealing with tiredness, a growing bump and disrupted sleep.
While restless legs syndrome can be a part of pregnancy, you don't have to simply accept being uncomfortable every night.
As a pregnancy osteopath in Milford, Auckland, I work with women experiencing restless legs alongside other pregnancy-related aches, pains and movement difficulties.
What is restless legs syndrome?
Restless legs syndrome is a condition that creates an uncomfortable urge to move your legs, particularly when you're resting.
You may experience sensations such as:
An urge to constantly move your legs
Tingling
Crawling sensations
Pulling
Aching
Throbbing
Itching or uncomfortable sensations deep in the legs
Restlessness that becomes worse when sitting or lying down
Symptoms that are worse in the evening or at night
Temporary relief when you move your legs
For some women, the sensation can be difficult to describe.
You may simply know that your legs feel uncomfortable and you cannot get them to settle.
Why does restless legs syndrome happen during pregnancy?
The exact cause of restless legs syndrome isn't always clear.
Pregnancy itself can increase the likelihood of experiencing RLS, and changes in your body during pregnancy may contribute.
Iron deficiency can also be associated with restless legs syndrome, so if you're experiencing persistent or troublesome symptoms, it's worth discussing them with your midwife or GP. They can determine whether checking your iron levels or other factors is appropriate for you.
Pregnancy can also change how you move, exercise and rest, and physical discomfort through your hips, legs and lower back can add to the challenge of getting comfortable.
Restless legs and pregnancy sleep
One of the biggest problems with restless legs syndrome during pregnancy is sleep.
You may already be struggling to sleep because:
Your bump is getting bigger
You can't find a comfortable position
You need to get up to use the bathroom
Your hips or lower back are aching
Your baby is moving
You're thinking about everything that needs to be done before the baby arrives
Then restless legs appear.
You finally get comfortable, but your legs feel like they need to move.
This can turn bedtime into a frustrating cycle of lie down → move your legs → get up → stretch → try again.
And the next morning, you're exhausted.
What everyday activities can restless legs syndrome make harder?
Although RLS is often most noticeable at night, the lack of sleep it causes can affect your whole day.
You may struggle with:
Sitting at work
Long periods of sitting can make symptoms more noticeable, particularly if you don't have opportunities to get up and move.
Driving
Sitting in the car for extended periods can be uncomfortable when your legs feel restless.
Watching TV
Instead of relaxing on the sofa after dinner, you may find yourself constantly moving your legs or getting up and walking around.
Going to the cinema
Sitting still for a couple of hours can feel surprisingly difficult.
Travelling
Long car journeys or flights can be particularly challenging when you feel the need to keep moving.
Getting enough sleep
And, of course, this is often the biggest one.
Poor sleep can leave you feeling exhausted, irritable and less able to cope with everything pregnancy and everyday life throw at you.
How can osteopathy help during pregnancy?
When you come to see me, we'll talk about your symptoms and how they're affecting your sleep and daily life.
I'll assess how your lower back, pelvis, hips and legs are moving and functioning, looking for areas of muscular tension or restricted movement that may be contributing to your physical discomfort.
Depending on your individual presentation, osteopathic treatment may include gentle soft tissue techniques, joint mobilisation, articulation, stretching and other appropriate hands-on techniques.
Treatment is adapted to your stage of pregnancy and your comfort.
The aim is to help you feel more comfortable through your lower back, pelvis and legs and support easier movement.
It's important to understand that osteopathy isn't a cure for restless legs syndrome itself, particularly where symptoms are related to factors such as iron deficiency. However, treatment may be useful when muscular tension, joint restriction or other musculoskeletal discomfort is contributing to your overall symptoms.
What else can you do for restless legs during pregnancy?
There isn't one solution that works for everyone, but some women find that simple strategies can help them manage their symptoms.
You might try:
Gentle stretching before bed
A warm bath or shower
Gentle movement during the day
Getting up regularly if you've been sitting for a long time
Avoiding sitting still for prolonged periods
Gentle massage of your legs
Creating a relaxing bedtime routine
Keeping your sleep environment comfortable
If your symptoms are persistent or significantly affecting your sleep, speak with your midwife or GP. They can assess whether factors such as iron levels may be contributing and advise you on appropriate treatment.
Can I exercise with restless legs syndrome?
Generally, staying appropriately active during pregnancy can be helpful.
Gentle walking, swimming, pregnancy-friendly strength training and other activities that feel comfortable can help you keep moving throughout pregnancy.
You don't need to exhaust yourself trying to make your legs settle, though.
If exercise seems to make your symptoms worse, or you're unsure what is appropriate for you, speak with your healthcare professional.
When should I get help for restless legs during pregnancy?
You don't have to wait until you're barely sleeping before asking for help.
It's worth talking to your midwife or GP if your restless legs:
Are happening frequently
Are significantly disrupting your sleep
Are affecting your ability to work
Are making travel difficult
Are causing significant distress
Are becoming increasingly troublesome
And if you're experiencing one-sided leg swelling, redness, warmth, significant pain or sudden shortness of breath, seek urgent medical attention rather than assuming it's restless legs syndrome.
Pregnancy osteopathy in Milford, Auckland
I'm Sarah, a pregnancy and postpartum osteopath in Milford, Auckland, and a mum of two.
I've been working clinically for more than 10 years, with more than 8 years specialising in pregnancy and postpartum care.
I understand how frustrating it can be when pregnancy symptoms start interfering with things that should be simple — especially something as important as getting a good night's sleep.
My approach is warm, practical and individualised. I'll listen to what you're experiencing, understand how it's affecting your everyday life and tailor treatment to your stage of pregnancy.
If you're experiencing restless legs during pregnancy alongside muscular tension, hip pain, lower back pain or other physical discomfort, I'd be happy to help you work out whether osteopathic treatment may be appropriate for you.
Ready to feel a little more comfortable?
You don't have to simply accept uncomfortable legs and broken sleep as part of pregnancy.
Book an appointment with me in Milford, Auckland, and we'll look at your symptoms together and work towards helping you feel more comfortable.
Your sleep matters too.
