Leg Cramps During Pregnancy | Mombabykids.com
What Can Help With Leg Cramps During Pregnancy?
Involuntary muscular contractions brought on by an accumulation of acids are known as cramps. Typically, they endure between 30 and 60 seconds. Leg cramps affect almost half of pregnant women. In addition, some women get cramping in their thighs and buttocks. Particularly in the second and third trimesters, these muscular spasms frequently take place at night.
Why do pregnant women get leg cramps?
Leg cramps can make moving difficult and cause a sudden, acute discomfort. The duration of a cramp might range from a few seconds to ten minutes. They typically impact the calf muscle, which is located at the rear of the leg, right below the knee, or occasionally the smaller muscles in the feet.
Although the exact origin of leg cramps during pregnancy is unknown, it may be comforting to know that they won't cause any long-term muscular damage.
Your leg muscles may get strained and shortened as a result of carrying the additional weight of pregnancy. The unpleasant cramping sensation is caused by the muscle contracting when you rest or go to sleep.
Hormonal changes and mineral imbalances, including those in iron and magnesium, may also be contributing factors.
Around midway during your pregnancy, you could notice that your leg cramps begin to wake you up at night. If you're already feeling worn out, this can be difficult.
About two-thirds of pregnant women experience cramps in the third trimester, and they tend to get worse as the pregnancy goes on.
The good news is that once your baby is born, the leg cramps will go away.
How can I get rid of leg cramp pain?
Leg cramps are fortunately one of the pregnant side symptoms that you can control. When a spasm occurs:
- Extend. Gently stretch your ankles and toes while straightening your leg (heel first). At first, this could sting, but it will eventually go away.
- Give the tense muscle a massage.
- You can either walk it off for a few minutes or wiggle your leg before sitting or resting down with it up.
The muscle may experience soreness and tenderness after the spasm has dissipated. Your midwife may advise taking paracetamol if this discomfort is more upsetting you than the cramp itself.
To relieve your sore muscles, it could be preferable to take a warm bath or use a shower head to spray hot water onto your calf, as there isn't much evidence to support the idea that paracetamol works well on its own. Any aches and pains may also be relieved by using a microwaveable heat pad or a hot water bottle.
How can leg cramps be avoided?
Leg cramps may be avoided with regular, mild stretches and exercises. Check to see if any of these suggestions apply to you:
- Stretches for the calves. Lean forward and contact the wall with your spread arms while standing one meter away from it. Make sure your foot soles are flat on the ground. Before releasing, hold the stretch for as long as it feels comfortable. Three times a day, including one right before bed, repeat the exercise for five minutes.
- Stretching and strengthening your calf muscles should be done every day. 30 times, bend and stretch each foot up and down. Next, turn each foot eight times in one direction and eight times in the opposite direction.
- Try to keep your toes from pointing down when you sleep. When you're sleeping or relaxing, elevate your feet on a pillow or cushion. To allow for easy leg movement, keep the bedding you use to cover yourself flexible.
- Muscle cramps can occasionally be caused by dehydration. To stay hydrated, make sure you're drinking enough.
According to some experts, pregnant women who are deficient in specific nutrients may experience leg cramps. Magnesium supplements taken in the morning and evening might be beneficial, but further research is necessary to be certain. Because bananas are naturally high in magnesium, several ladies swear by eating one every day.
Iron deficiency anemia can occasionally be indicated by leg cramps. Although your iron levels are regularly checked at your appointment and at 28 weeks, let your midwife know if you experience unpleasant leg cramps on a regular basis.
For additional advice, see natural cramp cures.
What happens if my leg pain persists?
Rarely, a blood clot in a leg vein may be the source of leg pain. DVT is the term for this condition. It's a severe illness that requires prompt medical care.
Although it's not always the case, DVT often only affects one leg, and the pain could get worse if you flex your foot up near your knee.
Among the symptoms are:
- One leg, generally the calf, may be painful, swollen, or tender.
- Warm skin and a sharp pain there.
- Skin that is red or discolored, particularly on your calf.
