If you are reading this article, most-likely, you already know what Restless Leg Syndrome is and have been experiencing it yourself. For those who haven’t --- you know that feeling when you’re trying to get comfortable in your bed to go to sleep but just can’t? It’s like you have a little bit of anxiety trapped in your body keeping you from relaxing and no matter how hard you try, you’re restless. Well if you can’t limit that feeling to your legs only, and understand that symptoms can come on at any time of the day--- that’s a good idea of what Restless Leg Syndrome feels like.
Even the Mayo Clinic defines RLS as “an irresistible urge to move your legs”. By this description, Restless Leg almost sounds like a quirky condition that makes you want to get up and dance.No? Just me? Interestingly enough, moving your legs does help to alleviate symptoms short-term. If dancing isn’t your thing, we have a few other (practical) ways that you can go about resolving restless leg syndrome during pregnancy.
Here are our top 3:
Exercise
Because movement does help alleviate symptoms, it’s important to incorporate exercise in your daily routine. Exercise helps to improve blood circulation and the transmission of nerve signals throughout the body. Because Restless Leg is partly a result of inhibited circulation, exercise made it to the top of our priority list. Whether it’s taking a walk around the block or participating in classes at nearby prenatal yoga studio (we know a great one!), movement is a top-tier approach to alleviating restless leg symptoms. On days you can’t make it out to your favorite prenatal yoga & fitness studio, we’ve provided a few poses that will help you improve circulation at home:
Downward Dog (Against the Wall)
This pose offers a superior hamstring stretch, releasing tension in the legs while offering the support of the wall during pregnancy when balance could be compromised.
Supta Baddha Konasana
Thank you to our lovely Mama’s at CocoonCare for demonstrating this pose that opens the hips, stretches the inner thighs and supports the low back.
Supplements
Restless Leg Syndrome can also occur in part due to mineral deficiencies such as iron, magnesium and electrolytes. Iron in particular plays a large role in blood quality and circulation. Those who have anemia need the extra support of this mineral in particular. Magnesium is crucial for muscle relaxation and proper nerve signal transition. Restless Leg makes the sufferer feel like the nerve free-way of their body is backed up and trapped within the legs. Taking magnesium, staying hydrated and consuming electrolytes all play an important part in free up these “trapped” nerve signals.
Elevation and Massage
I mean who doesn’t love some pampering? But in all seriousness, when addressing the subject of circulation and Restless Leg Syndrome, these 2 remedies can’t be ignored. Symptoms of Restless Leg can often be brought on from extended periods of time on your feet. Sitting down and elevating your legs will help to improve circulation after such a situation. Massage, by default, improves circulation as well by bringing blood to the muscle tissues by the act of compression and kneading the affected area. This is contraindicated for those suffering from varicose veins.
So there you have it Mama. Another reason self-care is so important while you’re growing that little one. Remember, the things that you do during this time affect your baby. So if you’re feeling restless, even if it’s confined to your legs, your little one feels the stress of your discomfort. You are creating a human! And no one deserves to be taken care of more than you.
If you are looking for a class to join to help alleviate your restless leg syndrome, please join us at CocoonCare! For the month of January you can also join us for our Motivation to Move Challenge!
For a list of our classes click here. We have a host of membership and class options to suit every Mama which include discounts on supplements, health coaching, and massage with our partner Pulling Down the Moon. We hope to see you in class!
.png)
