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Frustrated-OB blew off my complaints of Restless Leg...

ispike7ispike7
in 3rd Trimester
Has anyone out there started suffering from Restless Leg symptoms only since they've become pregnant? I've started getting the creepy crawlies in my legs at bedtime and have been unable to sleep for about a week now. I told my OB about it yesterday @ my 32 appt, and she kind of blew off my complaints! She said she hadn't really heard of RLS turning up in pregnancy if it hadn't been experienced before. Funny, since I talked to a neurologist at work (I'm an RN), and he said it's not uncommon AT ALL for women to start experiencing RLS in pregnancy! My OB suggested exercising before bedtime...but anyone who has had RLS knows that it keeps you up no matter how tired you are! Anyone have any suggestions for calming down the symptoms???
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Re: Frustrated-OB blew off my complaints of Restless Leg...

  • MrsSRMrsSR member

    It is common in pregnancy.

    However, there isn't much you can do.  Walk around, stretch out....  It stinks, I know.  I have it as well.

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  • BlueRidge8BlueRidge8 member
    That is frustrating. I've had RLP since early 2nd Tri - my MW suggests eating bananas before bed and I think it might help a bit.
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  • lulu?beanlulu?bean

    Yes, I've been getting it in the third tri and it is horrible. It only happens for a few hours in the middle of the night but it feels like torture, I hate it. Walking around for a bit and rubbing ice/cold water on my legs seems to help a little bit.

    Are your iron levels low by any chance? I hear there is a connection between low iron/anemia and restless leg. My iron levels are pretty low so I've suspected that is part of the reason it's been bothering me so much.

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  • KrystinaMarieKrystinaMarie member
    My legs really bother me at night too, my Dr suggested it may be swelling related and to try keeping them elevated at night, so I prop about four pillows up at the end of the bed and lay with my calves and feet elevated.  If i dont feel relief in like 15 mins, i prop them up higher with another pillow. So far ive done this for like 5 nights and it works every night! Good luck
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  • MeanMommyLadyMeanMommyLady member
    My chiropractor has really been able to help with my restless leg symptoms (they just came on during the third trimester).  I don't know what I would do without that man!
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  • K.a.T.eK.a.T.e member
    I have it too.  But there really isn't anything you can do so maybe that's why she was so "ho-hum" about it
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  • babyandme10514babyandme10514
    I have it, and its bad at times. I know this sounds weird, but sleep with a bar of ivory soap near or even on your legs and keep your legs and feet as cool as possible.
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  • 07weddingbells07weddingbells
    I get it too..not while sleeping though..cant sit still on couch or at desk..drives me nuts! I had to leave bf class early last night because Icouldnt keep legs still and uncomfortable in seat
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  • nycnolanycnola member
    My midwife said restless leg IS common among pregnant women, and she suggested that I wear compression stockings at night, and they are magic! My RLS has almost completely gone away, and if it creeps back I take a couple of tylenol and it shuts off those sensors or whatever tylenol does. But, I think I have had only had to take tylenol 3 times since wearing the stockings, and that was a couple months ago. I bought my socks at a grocery store for about $7, so they aren't crazy expensive. AND, I think your OB sounds like a d-bag. Just saying.
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  • InLovewSBInLovewSB member

    I have it at night in bed sometimes. I googled it, and the internet says to have less stationary activities prior to bedtime. I've been trying to take walks later in the evening when the weather isnt' rainy or sweltering. In addition, the internet says that increasing iron a little can help. So I've started eating a little more spinach added to my dinner salads.

    fwiw... I think that I've had fewer evenings where the RLS keeps me from falling asleep.

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  • MrsFontenotMrsFontenot member

    I told my OB about it, and she was not surprised.  She said to increase my potassium and calcium intake.  So, I've been eating a banana before bedtime, and taking a calcium supplement (I try to do it about an hour before I go to bed), as well as increasing my water intake.  It doesn't always work like a charm, but it does seem to take the edge off for me.

    Best of luck - I hate it - I get them really bad, too!

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  • vettechick99vettechick99
    Stay away from Benadryl. They cause them. I take Unisom instead and I don't have them as bad.
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  • rcbukorcbuko member

    I have it too and had it last pregnancy as well.  It went away in between pregnancies.  I have no advice for you and am going crazy myself with it.  It happens when I lay on the couch watching TV, when I go to bed, and any time that I am sitting around.  It really bites because I am not supposed to exercise this pregnancy because of some placenta issues.  

    Hang in there! 

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