Pregnancy-Associated Restless Legs Syndrome Can Become Chronic

The neurological disorder restless legs syndrome (RLS) is characterized by creeping, crawling sensations (primarily nocturnal) in the lower extremities that are relieved by movement. Pregnancy-associated RLS is clinically similar to nonpregnancy RLS, occurs during as many as 30% of pregnancies (most often during the third trimester), and usually resolves shortly after delivery. Decisions about possible treatment are challenging; if symptoms are severe, clonazepam or gabapentin at bedtime can be considered after evaluating potential risks to the fetus. Risk factors include family history and multiparity. In an epidemiological study of RLS in Italy, researchers sought to determine if women with RLS during pregnancy were at excess risk for dev…