Leg cramps are not an uncommon feature during pregnancy, especially during the last trimester. Many women experience painful cramps during the last months of pregnancy, especially at night or while sleeping.
What is the reason for having leg cramps?
Leg cramps are basically the tightening of muscles which can cause severe pain all of a sudden. A number of reasons could be responsible for tightening of muscles, mainly by blood circulation problems, for standing for long periods of time or due to the weight one carries. Leg cramps are more prominent during pregnancy. However, the reason for the same is not clear. Most doctors are of the opinion that due to the extra weight of the baby during pregnancy, the leg muscles are stressed out. Also, there is a change in the blood circulation during this time. The blood vessels and nerves that reach out to the legs are pressurised due to the weight of growing baby, especially during the last phase of pregnancy. All these changes explain the occurrence of leg cramps causing discomfort to the pregnantwoman.
Another factor that is thought to cause leg cramps is having a shortage of calcium or excess of phosphorous in the woman’s diet.
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Although leg cramps cannot be eliminated totally, you can do your bit to reduce the pain and discomfort. These tips are surely going to help youn :
Stretch your legs before going to sleep at night. Try to straighten the legs and wiggle toes thereafter, to reduce the pain and uneasiness if you are having a cramp.
As you know, standing for long periods can cause cramping. Hence it is best to avoid sitting or standing in the same position for long time. If you have to do so, take frequent breaks to move around for some time. Also, do not sit in such a position that restricts the blood flow to the legs.
Light, regular exercise not only keeps you fit and avoids adding extra kilos during pregnancy, it also aids in reducing the chances of having leg cramps. Develop a schedule after consulting your doctor for the same. Morning walk and light exercises for the legs can be beneficial.
Another useful tip is to take a warm bath. The hot water relaxes the leg muscles by providing appropriate heat. It aids in improvising the blood circulation and thus reduces cramps.
Using a hot water bottle to provide heat to the leg muscles and soothe them can also prove to be helpful.
Have adequate amount of water to avoid getting yourself dehydrated. It is especially necessary to do so in typical humid weather when you tend to sweat a lot.
A gentle massage of the legs will surely reduce the cramps. During the third trimester, you can get yourself massaged at a chiropractor or by taking help from your partner.
Keep your legs elevated by propping them up using a pillow.
Include calcium rich foods in your diet, such as a variety of green leafy vegetables and dairy products. The doctor can also suggest an appropriate calcium supplement for you if required.
It is necessary to have a balanced and nutritious diet. Experts say that a deficiency of vitamin B12 can also cause leg cramps.
Avoid food items which have excess of phosphorous, such as fizzy drinks or snack items.
When should you consult the doctor?
Usually the leg cramps disappears by its self. However if the pain is intense and if the cramps are accompanied by certain other symptoms like swelling, tenderness, or any redness in your legs, contact your doctor. It could point to something complicated like thrombosis, which must be treated immediatelLeg cramps and pregnancy.
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