Restless legs at night during pregnancy

Restless legs feels like an urge to move the legs, with crawling, tingling, pulling or aching that appears during rest and eases briefly with movement. Pregnancy can change sleep, circulation and nutritional needs, so symptoms may appear or become more noticeable. Iron Deficiency Anaemia can also cause symptoms, while Peripheral Neuropathy and Chronic Kidney Disease are other possible contributors. These conditions are not diagnosed from the leg sensation alone.

Before bed, try slow calf stretches, a gentle leg massage, or a warm—not hot—bath. Keep a regular sleep schedule and take light walks earlier in the day if your maternity team says activity is suitable. Limit caffeine according to pregnancy advice, and avoid starting supplements, sleep medicines or herbal products without checking first. Your clinician may review your diet and arrange blood tests; if iron is low, they can explain whether Iron Supplementation is suitable.

Mention symptoms at a routine visit when they interfere with sleep, worsen, or continue despite self-care. Seek urgent assessment for one-sided leg swelling, warmth, redness or marked pain, particularly if breathlessness or chest pain occurs. Contact your maternity service promptly if you feel faint, unusually weak, or have concerns about bleeding or reduced fetal movement; these symptoms need assessment rather than being attributed to restless legs.

Could iron deficiency or another condition be contributing? Do I need blood tests? Which stretches, supplements or medicines are suitable for my stage of pregnancy? What changes should prompt an urgent call?