restless legs

I got that something chronic. I had to get up and take a run.

I've been having the exact same thing on and off Robyn, so I know how mad it can drive you !! I haven't found any sure-fire solutions yet though, except that a pillow between my lower legs often helps - even if it just ends up being kicked to the floor by morning.

I really annoy my poor hubby at night sometimes as he find it quite easy to nod off, unless I am tossing and turning because of my stupid legs !!

Edited to add: Oh, and I think the cause of it is to do with the extra blood that is in circulation in our systems, and also has a lot to do with why they recommend having your feet "up" if you can - it can literally help even things out. But like I said, I know just what you mean about needing to move them because it's so uncomfortable and frustrating

Edited by jax

I get it all the time. The best thing I have found so far is somethign a friend told me to do. Go to a surface that is cold and stand on it with your bare feet, like tiles in a bathroom or kitchen. Or as you cant do that run your feet under cold water, it's horrible but I do find when I get back into bed it has really taken the edge off the restlessness...hope it helps you too....

Wow I thought it was just me! I had this something chronic a few nights back. It's horrible and drives both me and hubby nuts! I get it mostly at night as well when I'm trying to get to sleep.

Will definitely try the cold floor/water thing next time.

I have had this too and it does drive you mad!! No solutions here, just wanted to let you know you are not the only one!

Found this:



Why do I have this urge to keep moving my legs?


Up to 15 per cent of pregnant women develop restless leg syndrome (RSL) during their third trimester, when sensations such as crawling, creeping, or tingling inside the foot, calf, or upper leg begin to disrupt sleep. Some women may feel cramping, burning, or pain, but nearly all report an overpowering urge to move their legs. Unfortunately, stretching, bending, rubbing your legs, and walking around usually only gives temporary relief; as soon as you sit or lie down, the symptoms return. It usually gets worse in the afternoon or evening and at night.

No one knows exactly what causes RSL. Some researchers suggest the condition may be inherited. Mary O'Malley, a psychiatrist and expert in sleep disorders, says pregnancy-induced iron deficiency can also cause or aggravate RSL. She bases another theory on personal experience: 'I had RSL throughout my entire pregnancy. For me, the symptoms got worse if I ate sugary foods before bed or if my legs got cold.'

What can I do about it?

RSL is not considered a serious medical condition, but its effects can range from mildly irritating to truly maddening. Although several kinds of drugs treat RSL, none can be taken safely during pregnancy. You may find that it helps to keep a journal of what you eat and drink, what you do, and how you feel emotionally. After a few weeks, you may be able to tell whether diet, stress, or environmental factors are causing your symptoms in any way.

Dehydration may be a factor, because of its effects on circulation. You may find that keeping your fluid intake up helps, so drink lots of water. You may find, however, that restless leg syndrome is something you simply have to cope with -- at least until your baby is born.
http://www.babycenter.com.au/pregnancy/antenatalhealth/sleep/restlesslegs/

I heard that it is hereditary too. My mum said she got it while she was pregnant too!

I've had it before, on and off, but never this frequently, or this bad.

I've just had my second antenatal bloods and everything is good, no gestational diabetes or low iron, so I guess it's just 'pregnancy' that's doing it.

I mentioned it to my midwife this afternoon and she said to get some magnesium supplements, so I think I'll give that a try.

Not much fun isn't it?!! Did it ease at all for you after you had your babies?

I used to get it really bad at night while preggo and used to lie with legs up against the wall as much as I could.

I also used to get it pre-pregnancy and at ballet we used to have to do the same thing and my teacher mentioned something about lactic acid build-up in legs. I don't know if she was just regurgitating bullsh*t or she knew about it properly... but anyway, drain legs by raising them as vertical as poss.

I don't know if it is safe while preggo but Colloidal Silver formula also seems to help with restless legs. I'll just try do a search.

my MIL tried to tell me that RSL didn't exist. apparently because she never got it while pregnant, it was all in my mind.