Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help !
Ask
    kholloway's Avatar
    kholloway Posts: 67, Reputation: 8
    Junior Member
     
    #1

    Jan 8, 2007, 11:15 AM
    Restless legs and pregnancy
    Hi, I am a little over 2 months pregnant, and every time I lie down my legs get all tingly and fall asleep.. or they get itchy, but inside the leg, not on the skin. This has been going on for a few weeks now, and it get really annoying when I can't fall asleep because of it. Has anyone else had to deal with this, or knows why it is caused? Thank you!
    eternalxgrace's Avatar
    eternalxgrace Posts: 15, Reputation: 3
    New Member
     
    #2

    Jan 8, 2007, 12:54 PM
    Hrm, you need to keep fit/healthy thru-out pregnancy. It doesn't need to be like oo I need to go to the gym, but at least a brisk walk to get your heart rate up and blood pumpin. Gentle yoga is great too, I hear. Check local yoga studios for either gentle or pregnancy yoga classes.
    How do you sleep? On your side? Back? - maybe try elevating your feet/legs. Or if you sleep on your side, try one of those little leg pillow things they make for sidesleepers. Goes between your knees and makes your hips even/unstrained, the strain could keep blood from circulating? [;) and if you can get someone to, get foot/leg massage occasionally.]

    Or, if it still keeps on bugging you no matter what you do, try going to a doc, because there is something called RLS, restless leg syndrome.
    pluckyflamingo's Avatar
    pluckyflamingo Posts: 220, Reputation: 17
    Full Member
     
    #3

    Jan 8, 2007, 01:16 PM
    My husband has the same leg problem (no he is not pregnant). He has restless leg syndrom, he was constantly awake, where it got to the point he was moving so much I couldn't sleep. Either way he went to the doctor and they told him he had RLS, and he is now on medication which has made him sleep better, and his legs feel great. However, you are pregnant so you might want to talk to your doctor about it, because there is a good chance you won't be able to. But the doctor did tell us other than taking the medicine you need to exercise the correct amount for your body.
    kholloway's Avatar
    kholloway Posts: 67, Reputation: 8
    Junior Member
     
    #4

    Jan 8, 2007, 01:32 PM
    I'm 5'6 and 130lbs (well, today at least ) but even when I go on a slow and short walk, I get out of breath almost instantly. Some times it gets go bad that I can't even talk while I'm walking (even around the mall). I did yoga and exercised before I got pregnant and never had any trouble breathing, I could even jog. I've been eating healthy and going on short walks, and I walk up 4 flights of stairs to my apartment at least twice a day. I have poor circulation, so I guess this could be causing it. My husband has slept on the couch the last couple nights because I wake up kicking when I finally do fall asleep, because my legs get all tingly while I sleep too. Thank you for all you help, and more advice and help is always welcomed! :)
    eternalxgrace's Avatar
    eternalxgrace Posts: 15, Reputation: 3
    New Member
     
    #5

    Jan 8, 2007, 02:22 PM
    avoid caffeine, it causes blood vessels to constrict. Whether you suffer from hardened arteries or not, eat more fatty fish (such as salmon, mackerel, and tuna). Not only is fish low in fat and high in nutritional value, but it also boosts levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), the "good" cholesterol that purges blood vessels of fatty deposits. For dessert, try pineapple. Studies suggest that an enzyme in pineapple called bromelain enhances circulation while reducing inflammation. Healthful doses of certain vitamins and minerals may also improve your circulation. Vitamin C, vitamin E and niacin, all of which are believed to have a dilating effect on blood vessels, may help to get the blood flowing and make walking less painful. However, consult a doctor or nutritionist before using niacin, as it can cause uncomfortable flushing. Magnesium supplements also may help dilate the vessels and alleviate arterial spasms. Note: Carbonated beverages usually contain large amounts of phosphate, which robs the body of magnesium. - but! Of course as with anything and in any condition, check with a doctor before taking supplements/etc, especially since your pregnant right now. Some things u may need to be careful of and something's u may need more of now. Take regular walks or bike rides to enhance circulation in your legs. Do simple exercises, such as arm windmills, to get the blood flowing elsewhere. And if u feel like adding a bit of extra oomph to an otherwise plain walk, u could hold a waterbottle in each hand or they have exercise gloves that are slightly weighted. Take especially good care of your feet, keeping them warm, dry, and comfortable, as even minor problems can turn to major infections in cases of poor circulation. For people with diabetes, care is even more important.
    • Make sure that the food you eat is high in fiber and low in fat, and includes plenty of whole grains, fresh fruits, vegetables, and fish. If necessary, supplement your diet with vitamin C, vitamin E, niacin, and magnesium.
    • If your job requires long hours of sitting, schedule regular breaks into your daily routine; stand up and walk around for a few minutes every hour or so to get blood circulating in your legs and feet.
    buggage's Avatar
    buggage Posts: 1,514, Reputation: 165
    Ultra Member
     
    #6

    Jan 8, 2007, 04:35 PM
    Definitely sounds like restless leg syndrome to me... I would talk to your doctor about it.he can tell you for sure, and suggestions as to what can help
    kholloway's Avatar
    kholloway Posts: 67, Reputation: 8
    Junior Member
     
    #7

    Jan 9, 2007, 07:17 AM
    Thank you all for your help!

Not your question? Ask your question View similar questions

 

Question Tools Search this Question
Search this Question:

Advanced Search

Add your answer here.


Check out some similar questions!

Restless Leg Syndrome [ 11 Answers ]

Hello. My daddy doesn't have the time so Im asking for him. HE says he gets restless leg syndrome every once and awhile and would like to know what causes restless leg syndrome? Thank you.

I've got no hair on the legs [ 5 Answers ]

I am a 27 year old man. I've got this problem that bothers all the time. My legs have no hair. Well, if I see carefully, I will see many little tiny thin hair. However, they are not obvious in the daylight. So, my legs look smooth and clean as a woman's legs, which embarasses me all the time,...

Restless sleeping/breaking the habit of sleeping on the bed [ 2 Answers ]

Our little shih tzu (8 months old) started well, but more recently has taken to sleeping under or on our bed. We took the path of least resistance and let him get away with it, but his constant licking, nibbling, flicking his ears around and general sleep noise is driving us nuts. Any tips for...

Restless Sleep! [ 2 Answers ]

So OK, I'm 30 weeks pregnant going on 31 this wed, and just suddenly my ARMS started falling asleep at night, no matter which way I sleep... It's excrusiatingly painful and I have no Idea what to do about it. Do any of you Pregnant Wonders have any advice for me? Oh and my hands are swelling too,...

Pain in legs since pregnancy? [ 2 Answers ]

Since birth of my first child seven months ago I have had pain and coldness in lower legs. I had a normal pregnancy and vaginal birth with no drugs. Any idea what this could be?


View more questions Search