I am 16 weeks pregnant -- and whenever I sleep on my back for more than a few short minutes, I get UNBEARABLE sharp leg pain and throbbing in my vein in my leg.
Usually the pain is focused right behind my right knee or else higher up on the back of my thigh. Last night I rolled over onto my back while half asleep and it hurt so much!! when I changed positions, my leg throbbed for a long time like the blood had been cut off and my leg felt "restless" after that.
Anyone else experienced this??? At first I thought I had a blood clot or something crazy, but then I noticed it always happens if I try to lay on my back.
2006-11-07 08:21:45 · 11 answers · asked by EmLa 5 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
i am currently 13 weeks along with my second child and have read that sleeping or laying on on your back will put pressure on a certain blook vessel to the lower half of your body due to the baby and how it is positioned. i have also experienced something similair. i curl up with a pillow in front and behind me and that way it isn't as easy to roll over.
2006-11-07 08:37:26 · answer #1 · answered by linemay16 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all, don't sleep on your back! Doctors suggest sleeping on your left side, as it's best for the baby's circulation. The thing with the legs are leg cramps and they're very common. Some people think it's from a lack of iron or potassium, but I always found it helpful that if you've had a leg cramp, just stretch and flex your foot till it goes away. (Or do it before you go to bed to prevent them.) Drinking more and staying hydrated also helps.
2006-11-07 08:24:34 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should always sleep on your left side when you are pregnant. Any other positions can pinch your nerves (cause HORRIBLE pain) and also, you can compress the major artery (or vein whichever it is) that carries blood and oxygen to the unterus for the baby. So both of you are better off on the left side! Try a maternity pillow called a "Snoogle"...it is awesome and kind of cradles your body and will help keep you on your left side. It is pricey (about $50) but worth it! Babies R Us, Target and Baby Depot all carry them. Good Luck!
2006-11-07 08:27:06 · answer #3 · answered by angie_laffin927 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Leg cramps, also called charley horses, can be bothersome during pregnancy. especially if you experience them at night. Cramps are characterized by a sharp, grabbing pain in the calf. A cramp is spasm in two sets of muscles that forces your foot to point involuntarily
The best way to relieve a leg cramp is to stretch your muscles. Flex or bend your foot to stretch leg muscles in the opposite direction. You can do this by standing up or by gently pressing the knee down with one hand while you gently pull the upper part of the foot toward you with the other. Stretching exercises before you go to bed at night may help. Don't point your toes or stretch your legs before getting out of bed.
These suggestions may help you relieve leg cramps.
Wear matemity support hose during the day.
Take warm baths.
Have your partner massage your legs at the end of the day or whenever you feel like it.
Take acetaminophen (Tylenol ®) for pain
Rest on your left side.
Use a heating pad on low for up to 15 minutes (no longer) on the cramps.
Your activities can also contribute to cramping. Avoiding standing for long periods of time. Don't wear tight or restrictive clothing.
2006-11-07 08:28:26 · answer #4 · answered by evil_munchgin420 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sleeping on your back can disrupt blood flow to the placenta so best not to do it. That is probably why you are having the pains in your legs. Call your doctor and ask them. Are you drinking enough water. Sometimes pains in the legs and feet are a sign of dehydration.
2006-11-07 08:26:57 · answer #5 · answered by Ryan's mom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had severe leg pain like this earlier in my pregnancy. I would wake up crying from the pain. I tried sleeping on my left side with a pillow in between my legs and it helps A LOT. Goodluck. If it continues to happen, talk to your doctor.
2006-11-07 08:36:08 · answer #6 · answered by kasey06 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your not supposed to sleep on your back, my doctor told me to sleep on my sides only. Your baby is probably pushing on a nerve causing that pain. It would be a good idea if you started sleeping on your side. It creates the best circulation for the baby(especially sleeping on the left side).
2006-11-07 08:26:01 · answer #7 · answered by Sakora 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
im 32 weeks along and i get sharp pains in my legs when i sit in one place for awhile or lay on it wrong. Try not to sleep on your back because its not good for you. The air waves are more open when you lay on your side. My ob told me to lay on my left side so the air would flow properly.
good luck with everything!
2006-11-07 09:54:53 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It could be sciatic nerve pain.
My Dr said that you can sleep however you can, once the baby gets big enough then you wouldnt be able to sleep on your back anyways due to the weight. I wa told just get comfortable.
I posted 2 article about sleeping on the back and posiable pain while sleeping. :)
2006-11-07 17:54:56 · answer #9 · answered by MonkeyKat 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are not supposed to EVER sleep on your back while you are pregnant. You should be sleeping on your left side.
2006-11-07 08:25:55 · answer #10 · answered by tristarr212003 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋