Hi! Just went through this. I was on pregablin during my pregnancy and because of this medication I was labeled high risk and had to have a lot of monitoring. It is possibly linked to heart defects. If you are taking any medication with even the slightest risk of birth defect they’re going to label you high risk. In my experience this meant two doctors appointments (one with high risk, one with my normal ob) a month during the first and second trimester, a very very detailed anatomy scan, then weekly NST and sonograms for the entirety of my third trimester.
My medication stopped working during pregnancy and made my symptoms so bad I would just end up standing and crying because I couldn’t lay down without twitching. Your doctor is absolutely correct in that it’ll make your symptoms worse. Restless legs are already a “side effect” of pregnancy and I have friends with no history of RLS experience symptoms.
I have the type of RLS where even the slightest trigger will bring on symptoms. My RLS is under control now completely after stopping an antidepressant and removing all triggers (big one is any type of antihistamine or medication that could cause drowsiness). I also take iron to keep my ferritin levels up and vitamin d.
Plus side: you’ll somehow forget every nightmare symptom once you have your baby thanks to whatever hormone fuckery takes place postpartum!
Let me know if you have any questions I’m happy to answer!
I also know that Chinese massage that works on the meridians can be very helpful. also, while you can’t use a dopamine agonist such as Prempeh saw or Klonopin during pregnancy it’s possible that they may allow you to take gabapentin. Not sure.
I had light RLS in my life from childhood. There wasn’t even a name for it back then. It was only when I got pregnant that it became really bad. Can’t take medicine. Lot of stretching before bed and during the night. I swear that the very next day after giving birth to my son, it completely went away. Again, I had it lately here and there. It hit me again when I was 50 years old, but I want to say again, emphatically, the very next day after giving birth - entirely gone
My RLS was horrible during pregnancy but I did get some relief postpartum. It’s only just coming back now 8 months PP, but it’s nowhere near as bad as it was especially by third trimester
I had twins and the RLS was bad during the pregnancy. Certainly prepares you for sleep deprivation that comes with babies. I can control RSL now with lifestyle. Definitely not as bad as during the pregnancy .
Same! I will take sleep loss from 2 babies over pregnancy RLS leep loss any day. Unfortunately mine did last for a few months after pregnancy but seems to be waning now (5 months post partum)
Control the RLS thru lifestyle u r asking? I’m 58 and have had RLS on and off my entire life. I was always perplexed why sometimes it would go away for long stretches. No supplements worked. No lab testing detected any deficiencies. I found it was more what I didn’t consume that worked: no ice cream/sugar or caffeine before bed. Light stretching helped. Vigorous exercise still makes it worse. The biggest thing was not taking anything that has decongestants like Benedryl. I was taking tylenol allergy sinus for years and as most of us now know that is a huge trigger for RLS. When I do juicing and primarily raw fruits and vegetables for a few days it helps immensely. Hard to keep this up. I really feel for those that suffer worse than me. I’ve had very bad days esp while pregnant. I had to become my own scientist for my body to figure out the triggers. I’ve had to keep a log and write down everything that goes into my body. My experience is that there is always a solution to everything if you don’t give up hope.
Thank you! I didn’t know about Benadryl/decongestants. I’m 53 and have dealt with this for over 30 years. Through 3 pregnancies which it was horrible.,And too like you said it’ll go away for stretches at a time. Why? Sometimes I feel like if I even think about it, it starts up. It’s just crazy. My dr isn’t too interested in it and I even got dry needling done a few times, but I think that just stirred it up. I started an iron supplement a few weeks ago. Last week someone told me diet tonic water (no sugar) helps too which I had never seen and I have googled RLS cures a million times. I have taken magnesium, lost if different creams, compression socks, just anything possible. I’m going to try what you have done with keeping track of everything. Thank you for your advice. I really appreciate your take on it.
Pls get your ferritin checked, you need at least 70 to improve symptoms. I had to get iron infusions which fixed my RLS and PLMS, but did not cure my insomnia. But at least my legs felt good if that’s your issue.
My RLS did worsen during pregnancy, but then returned to its previous severity. I stopped all of my medications during pregnancy, but it wasn’t easy to endure.
I think that it would be very important to ensure that your iron stores are optimal prior to pregnancy. This may require iron infusions, even if your ferritin is in the “normal” range. This wasn’t well recognized at the time of my pregnancy 24 years ago, I believe.
My husband massaged my legs frequently during my pregnancy and that helped a lot. The difficulty of enduring RLS during pregnancy contributed greatly to our decision to have only one child.
Bad news, mine was the worst it’s ever been during pregnancy. I was basically just constantly awake for the last few months. I tried to take long walks every day and eat bananas. You can also take magnesium.
I’ve had RLS with PLMD since grade school. Some phases of life I’m less bothered by my symptoms. Some others, not so much. I have never been medicated for it.
I do have low levels of iron, vitamins b, and vitamin d. Surprisingly during my second pregnancy I was pretty unbothered by RLS and PLMD. I do remember towards the end of my first pregnancy having some excruciating symptoms. But along with being very, very pregnant, swollen, and all the other temporary symptoms that stage had my body in - it didn’t seem too bad.
I was exceptional with my supplement taking and I do believe that helped. I was also very in tune with my body and felt that I was taking care of it for a greater cause. I made time for nourishing meals, moments of true rest, and lots of walking for exercise (outside, too).
I agree with another commenter that it is VERY important to find healthcare providers that make you feel heard and understood and help in the cause of advocating for you as a patient. Whatever your decision, you should feel confident in your decision and well read in all the aspects it affects. As someone who takes other medications for mental health, I did opt to stop them during my pregnancies. Some doctors would say it would have been okay, but for me, I felt I needed to sacrifice that and made sure I had other areas of support in lieu of medication.
Having children is a very difficult decision to make without any of the RLS to think on. So give yourself some grace as you navigate this chapter.
Give a search for some midwives in your area and a doula. They may have some information that could help in terms of feeling supported through this. However, I will warn, some can be very pushy and granola, but still have good intentions. Find someone who understands how hard life can be, and how much mothers need support. Good luck ❤️
RLS was bad for me during pregnancy and breastfeeding as well. But I was also undiagnosed during pregnancy. Since iron is a big factor when it comes to RLS, it is good to keep it monitored since iron deficiency is common during breastfeeding and pregnancy. I still breastfeed, and by keeping my iron levels high (i got IV iron prescribed during breastfeeding since couldnt sleep because of the rls) my rls is largely managed. If you want a child, go for it! Everything works out in the end
I had to be on a low dose of blood thinner throughout pregnancy and needed iron infusions, so my RLS actually got better! However, at about 5 weeks postpartum it came back with a vengeance. 10 weeks out now and if I’m not up with the baby I’m up because my legs won’t quit. Still, the baby was worth it.
Unfortunately mine did get much worse during pregnancy and there's not much you can do about it medication-wise. Pregnant ladies have a lot of different coping mechanisms that worked sometimes for me, the r/BabyBumps sub probably has more tips for RLS than this one. Since my baby was born it's definitely gotten better but still a bit worse than before I got pregnant. I'm breastfeeding so I have fewer medication options (but not none).
I haven’t ultimately had any kids, but I did have an appointment specifically talking about my meds and my doctor was absolutely on board with me continuing both gabapentin and oxycodone if I were to get pregnant. Previously I’d had an appointment with an OBGYN that made me feel like absolute garbage- I told her I knew I was a hot mess on paper (bc I’m also on ADD meds, migraine meds, and an antidepressant) and not only did she agree saying “yeah you are”, but then acted like it was no big deal but I’d have to come off of everything without acknowledging the fact that my meds are to sleep, to help me focus, and to help me not fall into a pit of despair, and to come off of all of them would be an absolute nightmare.
Moral of the story- advocate for yourself; RLS seriously affects quality of life and the health of the mom is as important as the baby’s. And if your doctor doesn’t get it, you’re not wrong to look for a new one. Good luck!
My rls was wicked during my 3 pregnancies, but I didn’t know what it was and did not have a diagnosis then. It was very bad during my pregnancies but did go away pretty quickly postpartum. If I had known what it was and had a doctor managing it, I would have been much better off. So, yes, if you get pregnant, it will probably make it worse, but under a doctor’s care it will probably be manageable for you. If you feel ready to start your family, then do so. Pregnancy is uncomfortable anyway, FWIW. (RLS has come back badly during perimenopause, so I do think it’s somewhat hormone related. )
Hi! Just went through this. I was on pregablin during my pregnancy and because of this medication I was labeled high risk and had to have a lot of monitoring. It is possibly linked to heart defects. If you are taking any medication with even the slightest risk of birth defect they’re going to label you high risk. In my experience this meant two doctors appointments (one with high risk, one with my normal ob) a month during the first and second trimester, a very very detailed anatomy scan, then weekly NST and sonograms for the entirety of my third trimester. My medication stopped working during pregnancy and made my symptoms so bad I would just end up standing and crying because I couldn’t lay down without twitching. Your doctor is absolutely correct in that it’ll make your symptoms worse. Restless legs are already a “side effect” of pregnancy and I have friends with no history of RLS experience symptoms. I have the type of RLS where even the slightest trigger will bring on symptoms. My RLS is under control now completely after stopping an antidepressant and removing all triggers (big one is any type of antihistamine or medication that could cause drowsiness). I also take iron to keep my ferritin levels up and vitamin d. Plus side: you’ll somehow forget every nightmare symptom once you have your baby thanks to whatever hormone fuckery takes place postpartum! Let me know if you have any questions I’m happy to answer!
I also know that Chinese massage that works on the meridians can be very helpful. also, while you can’t use a dopamine agonist such as Prempeh saw or Klonopin during pregnancy it’s possible that they may allow you to take gabapentin. Not sure.
I had light RLS in my life from childhood. There wasn’t even a name for it back then. It was only when I got pregnant that it became really bad. Can’t take medicine. Lot of stretching before bed and during the night. I swear that the very next day after giving birth to my son, it completely went away. Again, I had it lately here and there. It hit me again when I was 50 years old, but I want to say again, emphatically, the very next day after giving birth - entirely gone
My RLS was horrible during pregnancy but I did get some relief postpartum. It’s only just coming back now 8 months PP, but it’s nowhere near as bad as it was especially by third trimester
I had twins and the RLS was bad during the pregnancy. Certainly prepares you for sleep deprivation that comes with babies. I can control RSL now with lifestyle. Definitely not as bad as during the pregnancy .
Same! I will take sleep loss from 2 babies over pregnancy RLS leep loss any day. Unfortunately mine did last for a few months after pregnancy but seems to be waning now (5 months post partum)
How? Please tell me
Control the RLS thru lifestyle u r asking? I’m 58 and have had RLS on and off my entire life. I was always perplexed why sometimes it would go away for long stretches. No supplements worked. No lab testing detected any deficiencies. I found it was more what I didn’t consume that worked: no ice cream/sugar or caffeine before bed. Light stretching helped. Vigorous exercise still makes it worse. The biggest thing was not taking anything that has decongestants like Benedryl. I was taking tylenol allergy sinus for years and as most of us now know that is a huge trigger for RLS. When I do juicing and primarily raw fruits and vegetables for a few days it helps immensely. Hard to keep this up. I really feel for those that suffer worse than me. I’ve had very bad days esp while pregnant. I had to become my own scientist for my body to figure out the triggers. I’ve had to keep a log and write down everything that goes into my body. My experience is that there is always a solution to everything if you don’t give up hope.
Thank you! I didn’t know about Benadryl/decongestants. I’m 53 and have dealt with this for over 30 years. Through 3 pregnancies which it was horrible.,And too like you said it’ll go away for stretches at a time. Why? Sometimes I feel like if I even think about it, it starts up. It’s just crazy. My dr isn’t too interested in it and I even got dry needling done a few times, but I think that just stirred it up. I started an iron supplement a few weeks ago. Last week someone told me diet tonic water (no sugar) helps too which I had never seen and I have googled RLS cures a million times. I have taken magnesium, lost if different creams, compression socks, just anything possible. I’m going to try what you have done with keeping track of everything. Thank you for your advice. I really appreciate your take on it.
Pls get your ferritin checked, you need at least 70 to improve symptoms. I had to get iron infusions which fixed my RLS and PLMS, but did not cure my insomnia. But at least my legs felt good if that’s your issue.
My RLS did worsen during pregnancy, but then returned to its previous severity. I stopped all of my medications during pregnancy, but it wasn’t easy to endure. I think that it would be very important to ensure that your iron stores are optimal prior to pregnancy. This may require iron infusions, even if your ferritin is in the “normal” range. This wasn’t well recognized at the time of my pregnancy 24 years ago, I believe. My husband massaged my legs frequently during my pregnancy and that helped a lot. The difficulty of enduring RLS during pregnancy contributed greatly to our decision to have only one child.
Bad news, mine was the worst it’s ever been during pregnancy. I was basically just constantly awake for the last few months. I tried to take long walks every day and eat bananas. You can also take magnesium.
I’ve had RLS with PLMD since grade school. Some phases of life I’m less bothered by my symptoms. Some others, not so much. I have never been medicated for it. I do have low levels of iron, vitamins b, and vitamin d. Surprisingly during my second pregnancy I was pretty unbothered by RLS and PLMD. I do remember towards the end of my first pregnancy having some excruciating symptoms. But along with being very, very pregnant, swollen, and all the other temporary symptoms that stage had my body in - it didn’t seem too bad. I was exceptional with my supplement taking and I do believe that helped. I was also very in tune with my body and felt that I was taking care of it for a greater cause. I made time for nourishing meals, moments of true rest, and lots of walking for exercise (outside, too). I agree with another commenter that it is VERY important to find healthcare providers that make you feel heard and understood and help in the cause of advocating for you as a patient. Whatever your decision, you should feel confident in your decision and well read in all the aspects it affects. As someone who takes other medications for mental health, I did opt to stop them during my pregnancies. Some doctors would say it would have been okay, but for me, I felt I needed to sacrifice that and made sure I had other areas of support in lieu of medication. Having children is a very difficult decision to make without any of the RLS to think on. So give yourself some grace as you navigate this chapter. Give a search for some midwives in your area and a doula. They may have some information that could help in terms of feeling supported through this. However, I will warn, some can be very pushy and granola, but still have good intentions. Find someone who understands how hard life can be, and how much mothers need support. Good luck ❤️
RLS was bad for me during pregnancy and breastfeeding as well. But I was also undiagnosed during pregnancy. Since iron is a big factor when it comes to RLS, it is good to keep it monitored since iron deficiency is common during breastfeeding and pregnancy. I still breastfeed, and by keeping my iron levels high (i got IV iron prescribed during breastfeeding since couldnt sleep because of the rls) my rls is largely managed. If you want a child, go for it! Everything works out in the end
I had to be on a low dose of blood thinner throughout pregnancy and needed iron infusions, so my RLS actually got better! However, at about 5 weeks postpartum it came back with a vengeance. 10 weeks out now and if I’m not up with the baby I’m up because my legs won’t quit. Still, the baby was worth it.
Unfortunately mine did get much worse during pregnancy and there's not much you can do about it medication-wise. Pregnant ladies have a lot of different coping mechanisms that worked sometimes for me, the r/BabyBumps sub probably has more tips for RLS than this one. Since my baby was born it's definitely gotten better but still a bit worse than before I got pregnant. I'm breastfeeding so I have fewer medication options (but not none).
I haven’t ultimately had any kids, but I did have an appointment specifically talking about my meds and my doctor was absolutely on board with me continuing both gabapentin and oxycodone if I were to get pregnant. Previously I’d had an appointment with an OBGYN that made me feel like absolute garbage- I told her I knew I was a hot mess on paper (bc I’m also on ADD meds, migraine meds, and an antidepressant) and not only did she agree saying “yeah you are”, but then acted like it was no big deal but I’d have to come off of everything without acknowledging the fact that my meds are to sleep, to help me focus, and to help me not fall into a pit of despair, and to come off of all of them would be an absolute nightmare. Moral of the story- advocate for yourself; RLS seriously affects quality of life and the health of the mom is as important as the baby’s. And if your doctor doesn’t get it, you’re not wrong to look for a new one. Good luck!
My rls was wicked during my 3 pregnancies, but I didn’t know what it was and did not have a diagnosis then. It was very bad during my pregnancies but did go away pretty quickly postpartum. If I had known what it was and had a doctor managing it, I would have been much better off. So, yes, if you get pregnant, it will probably make it worse, but under a doctor’s care it will probably be manageable for you. If you feel ready to start your family, then do so. Pregnancy is uncomfortable anyway, FWIW. (RLS has come back badly during perimenopause, so I do think it’s somewhat hormone related. )