Restless legs syndrome during pregnancy: an overview; [Restless-Legs-Syndrom in der Schwangerschaft: eine Übersicht]

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a frequent neurological disorder that is twice as common in women as in men. RLS affects up to 20% of pregnant women, particularly in the third trimester. In most cases, symptoms disappear after delivery, but the risk of developing RLS after pregnancy and during future pregnancies is increased in these women. The diagnosis of RLS during pregnancy is made using the essential criteria of the International Restless Legs Study Group (IRLSSG). The differential diagnosis and exclusion of mimics such as venous stasis, legs cramps, and leg edema are important. Aggravating factors (anemia, sleep apnea, medications that aggravate RLS) should be eliminated before initiation of a specific treatment. Nonpharmacological treatments such as moderate exercise and yoga should be considered first. Pharmacological treatment including iron supplementation, levodopa/carbidopa, clonazepam, and oxycodone can be applied during the course after critical assessment of the indication. © 2021, Springer Medizin Verlag GmbH, ein Teil von Springer Nature.