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Glenn
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| Posted: Dec 19 2006 at 12:35am | IP Logged
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I get restless legs syndrome during every pregnancy. This time it is especially bad and I cannot sleep! My legs jump and drive me crazy for most of the night. My dr. told me to get more calcium and potassium, which I am doing, with no relief. Any ideas? Thanks!
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Glenn
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Martha
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| Posted: Dec 19 2006 at 8:01am | IP Logged
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I had to eat a banana, drink a small glass of milk, and sleep with a pillow between my legs.
I found a leg massage or at least putting my feet in one of those hot bubbly water foot pedicure/massage things was very helpful too. Many a night dh would come home to me asleep in the rocker with my feet bubbling away in that thing. 
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Martha
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julia s.
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Hey Glenn,
I get it with each pregnancy, but here are some things that help.
For me I have to elminate pepper out of my diet. This for some reason seems to make my legs worse.
For what is is worth the calcium/potassium thing never improved my legs.
Next make sure the hair on your legs isn't stubbly -- either shave real close or let it grow all the way out. When the hair is stubbly it will stand out and rub against everything. Also, if your skin is dry use moisturizer on your legs.
Finally, make sure you don't drink a lot right before you go to sleep. Get most of your drinks in during the day. A full bladder -- especially from a cold drink -- right around bedtime seems to make my legs worse.
Just in general make sure your legs (and butt*cks) are warm. Sometimes an heating pad helps.
If I think of anything else I'll let you know. I hope things go well for you. The problem with babies is they sit right on the nerve that can aggitate the problem. I'll be praying for you.
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julia
married to love of her life
with ds12 ds8 ds3 and ds1
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cathhomeschool
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| Posted: Dec 20 2006 at 8:48am | IP Logged
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I have restless leg syndrome even when I'm not pregnant. I have never noticed diet affecting it in any way.
What helps me when my legs are restless is to vigoroulsy stretch my legs and even run in place or do jumping jacks (I don't recommend that part while pregnant!). Basically, I wear out my legs and then (and only then) can I get to sleep! I sure hope that you can find something that works for you!
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Janette (4 boys - 22, 21, 15, 14)
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Anne McD
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| Posted: Dec 21 2006 at 4:35pm | IP Logged
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Hi Glenn,
I had bad RLS before I got pregnant. When I was pregnant with my first, I was told I was slightly anemic and put on iron supplements, and I realized that my RLS had cleared up. I don't know for certain if that's the culprit, but I always attributed it to low iron. 
Anne
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cvbmom
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| Posted: Dec 22 2006 at 12:56pm | IP Logged
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My dad always claims it's due to low sodium and that's what helps my mom. Personally, if I take a calcium supplement, my RLS during pregnancy eases.
Hope it helps!
Christine
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amiefriedl
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| Posted: Dec 22 2006 at 4:05pm | IP Logged
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I avoid caffeine when I get bad fits of RLS and that in conjunction with many of the above suggestions helps a great deal.
You are in my prayers - I know what a nuisance it can be. Remember to use the bother for remittance of purgatory time for yourself or the Holy Souls. Little bothers are such a grace.  
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In Christ the King through Mary our Mother,
Amie
Blessed with an awesome hubby and Mom of ds10, dd7, dd3 and dd 10months.
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humanaevitae
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| Posted: Dec 26 2006 at 8:20pm | IP Logged
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When not pg I take Advil.
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Nicole-Zane 10, Elizabeth 7, Xavier 4, and John Patrick 2
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saintanneshs
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| Posted: Dec 27 2006 at 12:32am | IP Logged
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I just checked this out the other day since I'm having RLS now (in my last month of my 5th pregnancy...I had it at the end of my 4th pg too). Basically everything I read said it was linked to iron and calcium deficiencies. Makes sense to me! The doc said to take over the counter iron supplements, but since I'm not ready to take on RLS AND constipation issues, I'm just trying to eat more red meat (I don't eat this much) and green, leafy veggies (think sausage and bean soup with lots of in-season kale...yum!) 
I have noticed that the ONLY night I didn't have to rub my feet like a grasshopper before I could fall asleep was the night following the day when I was craving milk and drank about 6 glasses during the day! So I fell asleep easily and slept well but my baby is now probably a whole pound heavier!!
Oh, and one more thing that's helped...my Earth Mama Angel Baby "Labor Preparation CD" (listened to with headphones on as I'm trying to fall asleep). The CD is excellent for helping me fall asleep at night and stay asleep. I'm not sure if it's helping me prepare for labor though, as I doubt I'll be falling asleep then!
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Kristine
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Topic: restless leg syndrome
