Really achy legs at night 17 + 4

[Bex2]

Hi ladies, I wondered if anyone else suffers with this. I'm 18 weeks this week and every now and then I have a really bad night where my legs ache constantly and I cannot get comfortable or sleep. I have been a way for a few days and we've walked a fair bit, I'd expect it to have been worse the days I've been walking but it was fine and then yesterday we had a chill day and the night was awful for achy legs. Anyone have any tips or know what may cause this? Thanks for reading x

[Hidden]

Sorry to hear you are struggling with this, sounds a little bit like restless leg syndrome which is fairly common in the 2nd trimester. Maybe have a google as there are often some good things you can do to try and minimise the symptoms like I think maybe epsom salt baths? But double check that!! Good luck x

[Bex2 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your reply, I did wonder if could be restless leg syndrome but it didn't mention achy legs just crawling/tingling sensation so thought might not be that. I'll speak to my midwife today and see what she suggests. Many thanks for your reply 😊

[minnesota_girl]

Hiya I'd ask your midwife if you can take magnesium as that's meant to help with that!

[Bex2 in reply to minnesota_girl]

Hey, thanks I will have a chat with my midwife about that. Had it again last night although not quite as bad but still disturbing my sleep. Thanks again

[Hidden]

Hey, I had this and I put a pillow between my legs at night & put an old duvet as a mattress topper to take the pressure off legs at night. It did get a bit cozy so I slept under just a sheet😂. Husband was bemused by the set up!

[Bex2 in reply to Hidden]

Hey, I've been trying that and it does help but after a while the tops of legs still hurt so was thinking need something underneath as well. Thank you for the tip I will give that a try! Looking at pregnancy pillows as well but that isn't easy at all as there are soooo many! 🤯

[Hidden]

you are so right, the pregnancy pillow options are endless!! I just went with a mid range one & I still use it today for all sorts of things. I liked the firmness of a bean bag type. Mine has a cover that comes off for washing which is handy too. it was excellent for back support on the sofa after c-section. So many uses and worth getting.

[Bex2 in reply to Hidden]

They really are it's crazy! I nearly bought one today but wasn't 100% so didn't get it. Need to do something though can't carry on like I am. Will definitely look for one I can wash the cover on! Whichever I get sounds like it come in handy after the baby arrives !

[Hidden]

Yes I had this - and baths helped. But I think magnesium does too - of course this depends on whether your midwife confirms that's safe to take additional magnesium....

[Bex2 in reply to Hidden]

I mentioned the magnesium to my midwife and she hadn't heard of it before! So a bit stuck on that one.

[soccerkt6 in reply to Bex2]

Hey lovely, electrolytes - sodium, magnesium, potassium, calcium - are depleted faster in pregnant women and low levels are a very common cause of cramping. This is an excellent article on the topic: lilynicholsrdn.com/electrol...

I would try upping your salt and magnesium intake for a few days and see if that helps. My prenatal has 150 mg of magnesium and I still supplement with another 150 mg per day, so unless your prenatal has tonnes I wouldn't worry about adding a little extra. xx

[Bex2 in reply to soccerkt6]

Aww that's great thank you I will take a look at that. Thanks very much xx