Help for restless legs during pregnancy

Restless legs syndrome causes an urge to move the legs, often with crawling, pulling, tingling, or aching sensations. Symptoms commonly appear while sitting or lying down and may be worse in the evening, making sleep difficult. Pregnancy can bring it on or make it more noticeable. Iron deficiency anaemia is one possible contributor; kidney problems and nerve conditions can also be relevant, so the pattern and your health history matter.

Take a short, gentle walk or stretch your calves before bed. A warm bath, massage, or heat pack may settle uncomfortable sensations. Keep a regular sleep and wake time, limit caffeine later in the day, and avoid sitting still for long periods. Do not start iron tablets or other supplements without advice, because your maternity team can decide whether blood tests and [Iron Supplementation](/treatments/medical-management/iron-supplementation/) are appropriate.

Contact your maternity clinician if symptoms regularly disturb sleep, are becoming more intense, or begin suddenly. Seek urgent assessment for one-sided leg swelling, warmth, redness, marked tenderness, or new breathlessness or chest pain; these features need a different assessment from restless legs.

Could iron deficiency be contributing, and do I need blood tests? Could any medicine or supplement be worsening the symptoms? What movement, sleep, or treatment options are suitable at my stage of pregnancy?