Pregnancy as a risk factor for restless legs syndrome.
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.
Manconi
Mauro
M
Sleep Disorders Center, Department of Neurology, Vita-Salute University, IRCCS H S.Raffaele, V. Stamira d'Ancona 20, 20127 Milan, Italy. manconi18@mailcity.com
Govoni
Vittorio
V
De Vito
Alessandro
A
Economou
Nicolas Tiberio
NT
Cesnik
Edward
E
Mollica
Gioacchino
G
Granieri
Enrico
E
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
D011388:Prolactin