I used to think those commercials of people twitching about in bed were a crock until I had dinner with my mommy gal pals the other night. Two of them have been suffering terribly from restless leg syndrome (RLS) during their pregnancies. I know sometimes mothers-to-be have fretful sleeping patterns as their bellies start to pop and cause positioning discomfort, but constant movement of the legs was news to me.
RLS can be a product of stress, iron deficiency, and pregnancy just to name a few. Unfortunately, no cure is available to better the situation but there are things a mother in waiting, or anyone for that matter, can do to better her snoozing situation. To see what they are, read more.
- Warm baths
- Gentle stretching exercises
- Massage
- Low doses of pramipexole or ropinirole (Requip) have been found to be very effective in controlling symptoms in some people.
- If sleep is severely disrupted, medications such as Sinemet (an anti-Parkinson's medication) or tranquilizers such as clonazepam may be prescribed, but they may cause daytime sleepiness.
- Patients with iron deficiency will receive iron supplements.
- Low doses of narcotics may sometimes relieve symptoms of restless leg syndrome.
Before taking anything, you should consult your doctor.
Did you struggle with RLS?
Source
Time to Spa
Vic Matiﾏ
Serfontaine
I got this before I was pregnant, but it's definitely worse now that I've had a baby. I think it's probably from the increased stress.
It's annoying and feels awful in a weird way.
1This used to happen to me. The only thing I found to really help was sprinting up and down the steps a few times. It sounds ridiculous, but it worked every time. Worth a try!
2I had this problem while I was preggers. My solution was steamed milk everynight before bed.
3My mom has it and is on meds for it. I expected to get it during pregnancy, if not permanently, but haven't yet.
4I've got it and it S-U-C-K-S. I'm not on meds for it, but it is so bothersome! And now that you say it, it seems more noticeable now that I'm pregnant again.
LilRuck - I love your suggestion! I always tell my husband that my brain is totally exhausted by my legs feel like they're ready to run a mile.
Strangely, what works for me is to lightly punch my legs (specifically my thighs). Not enough to leave bruises, or anything, just enough to hurt a tiny bit and somehow relax the muscles. I also massage my calves deeply.
Anyway, yes, I know all about it and it is not fun at all.
5A REALLY good stretch is helpful too
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6I have RLS too, and now im worried it'll get worst when I get pregnant! I agree with Luckyme, usually i'll sort of punch my legs or really stretch them (I'll point my toes as far as I can every way possible.. it sort of helps but its still not good enough)
Its the most annoying feeling in the world. And its not only when I try to go to sleep, its also all day at work! It started when I was fairly young and I remember always telling my mom I had this weird feeling in my legs when I was just sitting down watching tv, it felt like I just had to move my legs, but moving them didnt get rid of the feeling.
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