Restless legs: Any bright ideas?!

[creativepebble]

I'm due with my second in 3 weeks and suffering from indigestion but it's my legs that just won't stop. They twitch and especially in the evening they feel like they need to just keep running! Sleep is an issue.
I know I have not much further to go, but if there are any remedies I could take, or anything that I could cut out (already got rid of earl grey tea which caused it in first pregnancy) then PLEASE share! I am going slowly mad with it.

Do you get cramp in your calfs as well or is it just the restless feeling?

Pregancy vitamins sorted it out for me within a couple of days. Worth a try.

Thank you ladies.
Yes I do get cramps in my calves and yes I am also doing all the vitamins....

I had similar symptoms. My Iron count was on the low side. Have you had your latest results back from the mw?

Ok have you tried stretching them by standing on the bottom step of your stairs with your toes on the stairs and your heels hanging over the edge, so your calves get a really good stretch. This works for me (I'm not currently pregnant though, but do tend to get restless legs). Also I don't get it as much if I have done some walking and/or exercise during the day. You need to stretch for at least a minute, or until they feel relaxed.

really good stuff about the iron count aaahhhBump; I'll look into it, thanks.

I'm still working full time and my job is quite active, but I probably need to stretch more, or more salt maybe?!

Stretching definitely helps me, I usually stretch as a matter of course before bed. Hope you find something that helps.

Thanks ProcrastinateWildly. Good ideas.

Bananas. It's something to do with potassium deficiency. Drink lots of water too as dehydration can be a cause.

I'm the same, awful isn't it? I too am 37 weeks. On friday the surgery phoned to say I am anaemic, started taking the iron tabs then and i have to say the RLS has improved already! I was also getting a massive craving for ice. Both are symptoms of iron deficiency so perhaps it is worth checking your recent bloods.

I'm 20 wks and same problem - had it with my first too! I was told to drink tonic water - something to do with quinnine content and also to not drink any caffeine after lunchtime at latest - ideally cut out all together! I am a massive tea and coffee drinker and did this (reluctantly). I hate to admit it but it has improved the situation!

Annoying - but it might help! Another joy of pregnancy hey!!

I had a big problem with this, but found 4 things a big help:
1-keep simple sugar intake low;
2-stretch regularly - inner and outer thighs, calves, hip flexors, hamstrings
3-use a Scholl handheld massager (£30 from Amazon - brilliant buy!)
4-for me, sitting on the sofa reclining was a big culprit for restless legs despite being comfy for my back (no idea why) so avoiding that position for long periods also helped.
Hope some of that is useful!

I get this so badly. It is horrendous, I totally sympathise. I get it badly at night when I get into bed. Mine is a bit better when I put a pillow between my knees. I think it relieves pressure on the nerves and eases RLS. The other thing is not to concentrate on it...read a book. When its really bad in the evenings I get into a warm bath which immediately stops the feeling. hth x

Ditto the iron levels; since I've been on iron tablets mine haven't stopped altogether but have eased a lot more.
I also find the more exercise I do in a day, the less they want to run in bed at night!!!

I had it with my first pregnancy too, and same with this one- bad early on and then again towards the end (37 weeks now). As soon as I had my little girl i started sleeping properly again- and i'm really really hoping it'll happen like that again this time!

iron, vitamin B12, apparently a warm bath then full length compression stockings, regular stretching through the day, not just when they're bad...

I had some acupuncture which settled it totally for 6 weeks before it gradually came back... just haven't been able to get back to her!

good luck everyone!!

"As soon as I had my little girl i started sleeping properly again"

Sorry but this really made me laugh, and just goes to show how fucking annoying RLS is

Try tonic water with quinine before bed, has helped me. :)

*With Quinine in its ingredients.

Hey creativepebble did you have any luck?

This has all been brilliant: thank you so much all.
It makes sense, I've been craving ice cream and lollies, I have had low iron levels too and even though I've cut out caffeine and eaten at least 3 bananas today, I feel like I have MUCH more info to work with and I shall be upping my iron dosage after a quick chat with the midwife.
It's also really good to know I'm not alone, even though I feel for anybody else who has it too.
Thank you; it's my first experience on any site like this. Very positive.
Sisters just keep doing it for themselves, don't they?!
Thank you all again x