How Can I Prevent Severe Leg Cramps During Pregnancy?
If you have experienced these painful leg cramps, you are probably wanting to know what you can do to prevent it from happening again. It is important to take care of yourself during pregnancy and if you are experiencing frequent leg cramps make sure you mention it to your doctor. Try these tips and tricks to help reduce leg cramps:
- Stay hydrated throughout the day.
- Wiggle your toes and rotate your ankles when you are sitting down to eat, rest, or watch tv.
- Lie down on your left side to allow maximum blood flow to your lower extremities. laying on your left side also improves circulation.
- Do take a warm bath before bed. This may help you relax your muscles.
- Don’t cross your legs for long periods of time.
- Take frequent breaks, if possible.
- Do wear comfortable shoes. Make sure that they aren’t too tight and allow your feet to expand. Avoid tying your shoes laces too tight.
- If you are on your feet all day, try to walk around to avoid standing in one position for too long. Also, if ask your boss for a reasonable accommodation. See if they can get a chair or a stool to sit down for a few minutes during your shift.
- Prop your feet up as much as possible throughout the day to help improve blood circulation.
- Avoid fatigue by getting plenty of rest.
- Do take a walk if your doctor or midwife hasn’t put you on bed rest or given you specific restrictions.
- Stretch your calf muscles several times throughout the day.
- Make sure that you are getting enough calcium.
- Try eating foods that contain potassium and magnesium, such as bananas or avocados.
If these tips and tricks don’t help reduce the frequency of leg cramps that you are experiencing, inform your doctor to rule out other possible causes. Contact your doctor or labor and delivery immediately if you are unable to get your muscle to relax. Also, talk to your doctor before adding any supplements in addition to your prenatal vitamins.
How Can I Get Rid of Painful Leg Cramps?
If your experience a painful leg cramps, make sure that you immediately stretch your calf muscle. This might be painful to do while your leg is cramping but it is important to release the tension on the muscles. I used to stand up and I would straighten my leg putting my heel on the floor first. As I straightened my leg, I would flex my toes towards my shin. (See photo on Pinterest for technique if needed) Once you get your muscle to relax, make sure to stretch out your half muscles with additional calf stretches.
You can try wearing maternity compression socks or pantyhose during the day to help relieve your leg cramps.
Did you experience painful leg cramps during pregnancy?
Comments
8 responses to “Why Didn’t Anyone Warn Me About the Severe Leg Cramps During Pregnancy?”
I avoided leg cramps during pregnancy, but now 15 years later in my “old age” I can relate! My mom just told me about a home remedy…keep mustard packets by your bed, and eat one when you have a cramp! I’ve got a mustard packet ready and waiting!
Mustard, interesting. I think I have heard that before but I never tried it. Yes, these same techniques can be used for all leg cramp issues.
I don’t remember leg cramps but did have a shooting pain in one of my legs ALL THE TIME with my second. Nice post.
Ouch, Susan did you end up having sciatica?
I did! Luckily, if I drank lots of water, they weren’t too bad.
That is good Camille, leg cramps aren’t any fun.
I remember waking up in the middle of the night, crying because of leg cramps. Good thing my husband was there to the rescue!
I had a leg cramp during my final pregnancy and I jumped out of bed saying “owie owie”. My husband asked me what was wrong and when I told him that I had a leg cramp, he was like you don’t have to be so loud. Those leg cramps seem to hurt worse than normal cramps.