I'm not sure if I'm here to vent, get support, advice or what. It's almost 3:30am and I've been struggling to fall asleep. This is a nightly thing now during this pregnancy. I'm 28 weeks along and I'm absolutely miserable due to my legs and lack of sleep.
It started early with this pregnancy and nothing I've tried has worked. There aren't many medications available that are safe during pregnancy for RLS so I'm resorting to mostly home remedies.
I take up to 4 baths per night sometimes hoping that this sensation will ease enough to fall asleep. It doesnt work. I've tried Epsom salt baths, magnesium spray, increases iron, cut out most of my caffeine except for a coffee in the mornings.
I currently take .5mg of clonazepam for anxiety and it's even failing me.
I have 2 other kids to care for during the day and naps are almost impossible to come by. Even if I do nap then it just messes with my sleep more at night. I'm even getting rls symptoms during the day if I sit or lay down.
I hate this.
Written by
Emmarielee
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Well if you think RLS is bad - just wait til the kids are in their teens, RLS won't see so bad then!!
You do need help and to vent. So vent away - there is plenty of evidence that it can help. Maybe try a little look at this and maybe discuss it with your midwife:
Lots of women go through pregnancy using heroin and are managed so I would expect using the medication to treat a condition should be no issue for them.
I know dopamine drugs are used but they play merry f**kery with a persons thoughts as can pregnancy and the aftermath so I would urge caution and avoidance if you are advised them. IMHO it could be much more problematic than an opiate.
Best of luck - you should be enjoying the pregnancy and planning how you are going to cope with teens - you can never start too early!!!
I have three girls around 30 - teens long gone but they certainly keep you young! Once you let babies in your life I don't think it ever slows down.
Although not typically recommended for RLS because it can worsen symptoms, I took Fenergen (an antihistamine) throughout the last Trimester of my pregnancy (on the recommendation of my ob/gyn). I got a good night's sleep using it and it was only after two or three nights that I noticed a slight worsening of symptoms. Although this might seem counterintuitive, in my experience it was better than nothing. All the best!
I’m so sorry to hear how you are suffering Emmarielee, It was many years ago now that I was pregnant with my third and last babe and I still remember weeping into my knitting in the early hours from despair and exhaustion due to RLS.
Lately, I have found the most effective home remedy for me is a simple one, music through earphones. I find my favourite relaxing music and turn the volume up enough so it really stimulates the brain as opposed to just background sound. I find I need to then ‘actively listen’ as opposed to letting my thoughts drift and it can work quite quickly.
I think it alters the brainwaves somehow snd stimulates the production of dopamine or whatever it is that relieves restless legs. Not a cure I know but I hope it brings you some relief,
The growth demands of the fetus play havoc with iron levels in the mother. I would consider supplementation after a blood test for Ferritin levels (the storage protein for iron). Home remedy - 2 tablespoons of blackstrap molasses (it contains iron). Best supplement is probably Ferrous Bisglycinate Chelate. More info here, scroll down to read study on pregnancy and iron supplementation... albionferrochel.com/index.p...
You should speak to your primary care provider or OB/GYN about ordering a Serum Ferritin lab test. The result should be a minimum of 50ng/mL but if it is that low or lower, taking iron supplements, 3x/day with Vitamin C, orally is indicated (ferrous sulfate 325 mg or equivalent, along with Vitamin C 500 mg; each taken together 3x/day. Oftentimes, and if you were my daughter or wife, I would urge your doctor, IF YOUR FERRITIN IS LOW OR LOW/NORMAL, to provide iron via intravenous infusions. In the literature, there is ample evidence that intravenous infusions to elevate the serum ferritin level to a HIGH NORMAL level, approaching 300-325ng/mL will most often finally enable you to gain relief from your RLS. So: 1) test serum ferritin, 2) institute iron supplementation if low (below 50ng/mL) and 3) get the ferritin levels elevated to high normal levels, approaching 300ng/mL...I am pretty certain that I am correct about these numbers/guidelines for pregnancy RLS. Some may argue otherwise, but I am only telling you this because I have actually read articles in referred journals that so state what I am relating to you. YOU CAN FIX THIS PROBLEM BUT YOU WILL NEED SOME PROFESSIONAL HELP...ORAL IRON IS A SLOW BOAT TO ... WELL, IT TAKE FOREVER...DISCUSS INTRAVENOUS IRON INFUSIONS WITH YOUR DOCTOR IF LOW.
Yes it is horrible. Yours is because you are pregnant?. My niece was the same. I have had it during the day too. Only goes when you stand up which I'm sure is not ideal for you. I feel for you. I know exactly what you are going through. Hopefully it will all go away once the baby comes.
Hi, not sure if you still look or use this page but have your symptoms gone now? I’m 26 weeks and have had this for 3 weeks now. I’ve never experienced it before pregnancy but I’m praying it goes after.
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