Numb tingling legs

[GenevaJoey]

I was wondering if anyone else has this, and could help explain what is going on, as googling has not quite provided the answer.

I am 19 weeks pregnant, and all ok so far, but for the past 2-3 weeks I have been getting strangely numb legs. The numbness is at the front and side my of legs, radiating down from my hips, mostly affecting my right thigh but seems now to be spreading to both legs. It's not all the time, but starts after about 15 minutes of walking, or even in some sitting positions, or standing.

When I say "numb", it is sometimes lack of feeling, and sometimes a hot pain which is quite uncomfortable but not excruciating. I can function with it, but longer walking is really quite tiring and uncomfortable (which is my preferred form of exercise), and I am aware of it a lot of the time. I

Is this just one of those things, a symptom of pregnancy and I must just put up and shut up. If that's the case, then fine, I am just worried if it is something more serious, or if I should be doing something different.

For what it's worth, the descriptions of spd don't quite fit: that sounds more painful and located in the pelvis. I cant see a noticeable difference if my legs are together or apart, or going up stairs etc.

I looked up sciatica and that seems to say it radiates from back and bum, but this is hips and side/front of thighs.

DVT is obviously the most serious, but it doesn't fit that either.

I have mentioned it to gynecologist, (am in Swiss medical system so don't have midwife), but he noted it down and didn't say much, or give an explanation.

Anyone else had this?

[gemsparkle84]

I have terrible leg pain. Front back, hips and buttocks. I think it can be common. I'm 32 weeks pregnant.

[PinkPlaid]

I get a numb hip and thigh daily now - it started around 22 weeks. It really freaked me out the first time it happened as it wasn't like the sensation you get when you've been, for example, cross-legged and end up with pins and needles. It was different in that I just became aware that my thigh had completely lost sensation. Now it's happening daily, and I just poke and prod at it till it comes back to life.

My googling seemed to suggest it's about the baby putting pressure on certain nerves and veins which cuts off the circulation a bit. Probably just yet another delightful pregnancy side-effect, but worth raising again with your GP or midwife if it persists, if only to rule out anything serious and put your mind at rest x

[sophied1983]

It is quite normal I think. Read about it in my pregnancy book. Will try and find it for you!

[sophied1983]

thestir.cafemom.com/pregnancy/178993/pregnant_numb_legs_normal_safe

[GenevaJoey]

Thank you all, that is both very reassuring, as well as a bit annoying that I just have to live with it. Very glad I don't need to worry about it though.

I think long walks are just not going to be enjoyable, and I just have to accept that. I'll stick with the swimming and look forward to 21ish weeks time, when it goes! :)

[lostoldlogin2]

Yeurgh I had this every night from about 16 weeks until the end - In my case it was restless leg syndrome and was annoying, although not hazardous to either me or the baby in any way. I remember punching my legs in frustration just to try and get a normal feeling in them so I could sleep - I felt like keeping them still was not comfy because they went all tingly. Hated it!

It went away the day my son was born.