title: Pregnancy as a risk factor for restless legs syndrome.
abstract: Pregnant women have at least two or three times higher risk of experiencing restless legs syndrome (RLS) than the general population. These data come from few epidemiological studies finding an 11-27% prevalence of RLS during pregnancy. Women affected by pre-existing RLS often complain of worsening symptoms during pregnancy. This is usually a benign form of RLS, with the highest degree of severity in the third trimester and a tendency to disappear around delivery. The causes of the association between RLS and pregnancy are unknown. The most debated hypotheses are: metabolic alterations, with particular regard to iron and folate deficiency; hormonal influences related to the increase of prolactin, progesterone and estrogens during late pregnancy; and the changing motor habits and psychological state of pregnant women. The importance of folate and iron supplementation during pregnancy in preventing RLS is unclear. RLS in pregnant women is frequently unrecognized; they are often worried about the symptoms and do not receive an adequate explanation by doctors.
authors.affiliation: Sleep Disorders Center, Department of Neurology, Vita-Salute University, IRCCS H S.Raffaele, V. Stamira d'Ancona 20, 20127 Milan, Italy. manconi18@mailcity.com
authors.forename: Mauro
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Manconi
authors.forename: Vittorio
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Govoni
authors.forename: Alessandro
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: De Vito
authors.forename: Nicolas Tiberio
authors.initials: NT
authors.lastname: Economou
authors.forename: Edward
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Cesnik
authors.forename: Gioacchino
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Mollica
authors.forename: Enrico
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Granieri
mesh_terms: D018798:Anemia, Iron-Deficiency / Q000150:complications; D005260:Female; D005494:Folic Acid Deficiency / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications; D011388:Prolactin / Q000378:metabolism; D012148:Restless Legs Syndrome / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D011388:Prolactin