Leg Cramps: Pregnancy Symptoms Explained
One very common symptom of pregnancy that we don’t hear a lot about is painful night time leg cramps. Pregnancy puts an enormous strain on the legs, and along with hormonal changes in the body, cramps can be the result. Leg cramps are most common during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, and the pain can be severe enough to wake you up from a deep sleep.
What Causes Leg Cramps in Pregnancy?
Here are four of the key causes of leg cramps:
- Pregnancy hormone progesterone reduces muscle tone in the legs
- Expanding uterus puts pressure on the main vein to the legs
- Growing baby puts increased weight strain on the leg muscles
- Hungry baby absorbs a lot of vital nutrients such as calcium and magnesium salts
How to Ease Pregnancy Leg Cramps
When you have an attack of cramp, make sure you stretch out your leg, pushing the heel away from you. Massage the affected muscle if you can reach it, or ask your partner to do it. Standing up and walking around is often the best way to relieve severe pregnancy leg cramps.
If you are experiencing leg cramps there are several things you can do to reduce their frequency and severity. You can do some simple exercises such as foot flexes and rotations, and calf stretches three or four times per day.
You should make sure you drink plenty of water, at least eight to ten glasses per day, and avoid standing for long periods of time or sitting with crossed legs. Taking a warm bath before you go to bed can help to reduce leg cramps.
Pregnancy leg cramps should only be a temporary and occasional muscle pain. If you are experiencing constant muscle pain, or have noticed swelling or tenderness, talk to your doctor right away. Although it is very rare, a small number of pregnant women develop blood clots that can become lodged in the leg and this requires immediate medical attention.
Leg cramps in pregnancy are a very common side effect, but by paying a little attention to your legs during the day and making sure you relieve the pressure on them, you should be able to reduce leg cramps to a bearable level.
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