Anyone suffering from RLS?

staceyfern · December 2014

i have been suffering pretty bad from restless leg syndrome pretty badly since about 4 weeks. Most nights I get 2-3 hours sleep and it's usually broken up into 2-3 parts. By 5ish in the morning I finally fall into a deep sleep but then have to get up at 6:30 for work. It is affecting mine and my husbands social life as we can't make any plans and ones we have he has been going without me. I have tried so many different things the Internet suggests. Most info from other people suffering talk about it being bad in the third trimester and since I have been dealing with this for months I have concerns about how the next 6 months are going to go. Anybody have any thoughts or suggestions? I am willing to try anything! Thanks!

kimmarie1105 · December 2014

I have no suggestions other than drink a lot of water and try running your legs under hot water. I suffered that my last pregnancy and I can say that it was by far the worst part of pregnancy and labor combined. I'm so sorry.

staceyfern · December 2014

I am desperate for any advise!!! I keep reading that women who experience this are in the third trimester. I just started the second and have been dealing with this for 2 months. Help!!!

lmfs90 · December 2014

I have RSL pre pregnancy and it has become worse now. When it is really bad my BF massages my calls for me and then I put a heating pad on them. This is what helps me the most. Good luck!

atj13ne · December 2014

Yes, a few weeka ago I have started experiencing this...its terrible, I fall asleep finally around 5, then SO gets up at 545, then my alarm at 645. I completely feel for u. Its miserable. Unfortunately I cant offer any advice bc I havent found anything that works

selma8 · December 2014

I have RLS even when not pregnant, and while exercise, stretching and massages do give some temporary relief, I've found it's more of a mental game. I have to force myself to think about something else, and then it subsides. It is brutal though.

staceyfern · December 2014

I am very curious to those of you that have been through this- did you have it all throughout your pregnancy or just the last trimester? I am laying awake at the hospital doing a sleep study right now. I recently heard a magnesium supplement can help but have not had s chance to try it before this study. Anyone try that? So far I have tried exercise, iron supplement, massages, warm/ hot bathes and showers, bought a leg and foot massager, acupuncture. I just ordered a tens machine and will try that this week. Any input appreciated!! Thanks

ChrisLipstick · December 2014

With my last pregnancy, I took magnesium supplements for leg cramps. I started getting cramps daily but they stopped after I added the magnesium. Do check your prenatal vitimins first to see if they contain magnesium so you don't take too much.

staceyfern · December 2014

I am not comfortable taking meds either. And no matter how little sleep I get, I won't. I tried to get the vibrating pad. I got in touch with the company b/c my OB did not know anything about it. They were sympathetic but said that no research has been done for pregnancy and would not recommend it yet. Therefor, my doctor will not give me a script for it.

staceyfern · December 2014

Thanks for trying though : )

melrose0917 · December 2014

I have fibromyalgia which makes the whole pregnancy much tougher and epsom salt baths really seem to help that and the RLS which is new to me this pregnancy. Try them at night before bed. Really calms the muscles down. My. doc suggested tums at night for extra calcium as well.

staceyfern · December 2014

Pickle26 I was thinking the same thing about the tens machine but my doctor approved it. I am actually sitting with my feet and legs soaking in Epsom salt water as I write this. First time trying it! I cut out caffeine when we were trying to get pregnant bc it wasn't happening so easily. Been so tired and was tempted recently but I know that will just make it worse. My doc recommended stretches for my legs the other day and I tried them. They are okay and helped a bit but I also have it in my arms and hands. Know any stretches for that? I did not hear to try cooling creams- have been doing more warm stuff. Will get some tomorrow. Thanks so much for the advice. You are more helpful and caring about this than my OB!!

staceyfern · December 2014

Did not hear about tums but will try that too. Thanks!!!

junch817 · December 2014

I wish I had advice for you. My legs are restless too, but fortunately for me, a warm heating pad on my legs at bedtime usually helps me out. I'm so sorry you are dealing with this.

Emilywooddesign · December 2014

I'm experiencing this too! It's not bad enough to keep me awake and not constant but when it shows up its really annoying. I've read it's from low iron and drinking tonic water helps, I haven't tried myself but it's a safe experiment. I hope you get some relief soon.

staceyfern · December 2014

I have been taking iron for about a month. My general practitioner told me I can not drink tonic water. He said it is not okay for pregnancy

Ana0927 · December 2014

I had RLS with my last pregnancy. It started in my 2nd tri and lasted throughout my pregnancy. It was terrible. Exercise, stretching, and walking around the office provided me with temporary relief.

happygardner85 · December 2014

I have had RLS pre pregnancy and had to stop taking my medication with the pregnancy. I also agree it is a mental game. So stretch have a warm bath before bed I get regular massages. Iron is also important. But no matter what I do there are days where it seems nothing works.