Pregnancy-Related Leg Pain & Numbness: Seeking Advice

Question
27, 3 children (ages 7, 5 &2), 9/14/04, I am pregnant with my 4th child and have been having numbness alternating with sharpe shooting pain down my left leg with swelling of both legs and hands for 6 days. I have called the Dr. - the RN returned my call and said to lay down. Not only does this not help but the pain increases with mild non-timeable contractions. All 3 of my other children were 2-3 weeks early with pre-term labor starting between 28-30 weeks along. Any suggestions besides laying down and taking Tylenol? My next appointment is not for another 2 weeks.
Thank you,
Tina

Answer
If you are having any contractions (whether they are timeable or non-timeable) you should be checked for cervical dilatation considering your prior history of pre-term labor in the past. Drink plenty of fluids. Hydration prevents preterm labor. There may be an element of sciatic nerve involvement if the pain is shooting down your leg. If you are noticing swelling in your legs or hands, you should also check your blood pressure to make sure that you are not developing pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH).