Leg Cramps in Pregnancy

When your enlarging uterus places pressure on certain nerves (as well as a shortage of calcium), you may experience leg cramps or pains, which are more common in the last half of pregnancy.

• Elevate your feet whenever possible and avoid crossing your legs.
• You may try massaging and stretching your calf muscles before bed.
• Add more calcium and potassium to your diet to prevent leg cramps.
• When a cramp hits, straighten your leg and gently massage it until the pain lets up.
• Apply a heating pad or a hot water bottle to the sore area.

Call your doctor or midwife if it doesn’t get better, because the cramping could be a symptom of something more serious.

more Pregnancy Discomforts

–Backaches
–Constipation
–Hemorrhoids
–Fatigue
–Headaches
–Heartburn and Indigestion
–Itchy Abdomen
–Dizziness and Fainting
–Swelling
–Varicose Veins
–Breast Discomfort
–Urinary Problems
–Sleep Trouble
–Leg Cramps
–Nausea and Morning Sickness
–Increased Discharge
–Pelvic Pressure
–Hand Numbness
–Braxton Hicks Contractions