Left Thigh Numbness During Pregnancy: Causes & Relief

Question
Dear expert.
I am 37 18 weeks pregnant (with no complications other than this)and for past 2-3 weeks I have been experiencing an annoying feeling of numbness in my left (outer) thigh after I wake up and while standing or walking.When I sit and rub leg it goes away.There is no pain,it lasts up to half an hour and I never had it with my first pregnancy.
I have a large belly and in my first pregnancy I was much thinner and younger.
My ob said it is not caused by pregnancy but the pregnancy weight aggravates it so i got confused.I never had this in my life.He did not seem to be concerned either.
Please let me know if it is dangerous and if it goes away after delivery.

Answer
Dear Vicky

Actually i am not sure of the diagnosis as examination is a must in this case but  few words may help. The uterus is normally tilted to the right side. This means the the ligaments which support it are overstretched on the left side and this may cause the pain. This pain is known as the "Round ligament syndrome" and it usually felt as heaviness or stabbing not numbness. It usually starts around 16-18 weeks but weakens with the advancement of pregnancy. It occurs with some women when they get pregnant. It may even occur once but never again in the same woman. It needs nothing other than mild analgesics. However, all other organic causes should be excluded first after clinical examination by your doctor before making the diagnosis of round ligament syndrome. Your case may be a round ligament syndrome or may be not. If it is numbness 100% you may need to consult a neurologist.



Good Luck