What is the Best Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) Treatment during Pregnancy?

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) affects about 20% of pregnant women and can be more than just a nuisance. ‪@andyberkowskimd‬ of ReLACS Health describes the best ways to get relief of RLS symptoms in this video.
Among the topics addressed:
- Why RLS is more common in pregnancy
- Avoiding substances and medications that are triggers of RLS
- The role of exercise and other leg stimulating activities
- The importance of identifying obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) during pregnancy
- Checking iron levels and what targets to hit
- Iron supplements to improve levels for RLS
- Intravenous (IV) iron infusion as the most effective and safest treatment
- Avoidance of prescription medications except in the rarest of circumstances
The following video provides a basis for the complexities of iron levels for RLS: • Iron Levels for Restle...
When choosing how to supplement with iron by mouth, one must consider how iron is absorbed in the GI system. For a basis on this, watch this video on how to take iron supplements for RLS: • How to Take Iron Suppl...
If you get an iron infusion, what is expected to happen with symptoms of RLS?
• The Expected Returns f...
Those wanting more information on types of iron infusion can also read A ReLACSing Blog #20: www.relacshealth.com/blog/whi...
Here is the consensus paper on the treatment of RLS in pregnancy and lactation produced by the International RLS Study Group:
www.sciencedirect.com/science...
These videos are for general medical information only, but for those who live in or near Michigan, Ohio, or Florida, you can hire ‪@andyberkowskimd‬ of ReLACS Health for consultation to assist in relieving your symptoms of RLS, even if you are pregnant or planning to be pregnant. He may vet your iron status and guide you toward treatment options for RLS and any other sleep concerns that need a little more time, expertise, and personalized care. Go to www.relacshealth.com/ for more information.

[@FredericKahler]

You have a nice selection of ties. I do, too. The pink shirt is very flattering. Thank you for your concise and important, informative videos here. But I have a question: the things in your bookcase behind you hardly ever change. The doll, for example, has never moved. Do you not use these items? What about the books? OK, thanks for your work with us who suffer from RLS.

[@FredericKahler]

I have found Claritin (loratadine) to be a safe antihistamine for sufferers of RLS as it does not cross the blood-brain barrier. It's also non-drowsy.

[@nosheenazam8851]

I am not consuming any caffeine, no smoking. No drinking No medication but I have very bad RLS. I can’t sleep at all.

[@andyberkowskimd]

Limiting triggering factors and lifestyle modifications is the first step. Iron evaluation and supplementation is usually the next area we look at.

[@lupef.7970]

Thank you for this video. It was very informative.

[@andyberkowskimd]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@RC72387]

Do you feel they will actually come up with a drug in the next 100 years that helps ?
I have refractory RLS in my arms and legs 24-7
I haven’t worked in years just living off savings my life has basically been over
Any reason for some people opiates don’t work ?
Mine also feels like electric shocks it’s terrible
It took my life away hopefully the future has better options.

[@user-by6hr4gy1r]

Have you tried methadone?