Written by Simran Dolwani
Are you getting these painful cramps in your calves? Did you wake from your sleep during the night due to a brief but excruciating muscle spasm in your leg while pregnant? If yes, this indicates leg cramps during pregnancy. Leg cramps during pregnancy are quite common. Nearly half of pregnant women experience this intense pain of muscle spasm in the leg.
These lower leg cramps are more frequent in the evening and the middle of the night, especially during the second and third trimesters. Typically, they tend to be relieved with a regular workout routine and balanced diet and may not require medical assistance in general.
In This Article
Leg cramps are a common yet, innocuous condition where the muscles in the leg suddenly contract and become rigid and painful (1). The cramps usually happen in the calf muscles. Any part of the leg, including the feet and thighs, can also be affected. Typically, a painful spasm ascends from the back of the leg (calf muscle) towards the thigh. The spasm can last for a few seconds, or sometimes it can even last for five to ten minutes.
After the cramping has passed, you may feel the pain and tenderness in your leg for some more time, which eventually fades out. Three out of four cases of leg cramps are found to happen during the night while sleeping.
There are no definite reasons to pin down muscle cramps during pregnancy. Back in the day, it was thought that calcium deficiency was the reason behind these spasms. Later research concluded that calcium insufficiency is not the reason for leg cramps. Some other factors may trigger leg cramps in the course of pregnancy, such as:
Leg cramps are found to be more prominent during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. This relates to the weight gained during pregnancy due to the leg cramps. As the leg muscles need to support the extra weight, this excessive work of the muscles can cause leg cramps (2).
The developing infant and growing abdomen bring additional weight on the blood vessels that proceed to the leg. Therefore, the leg muscles may not get enough blood, which is a typical reason for cramping.
Another possibility is that the head of the baby is pressing the nerves that are capable of triggering leg cramps.
Following a couple of steps will help to relieve the leg cramps faster:
[Read: Swollen Ankles in Pregnancy]
Here are some measures to prevent leg cramps in the course of pregnancy:
[Read: Standing For Long Hours In Pregnancy]
Leg cramps during pregnancy are quite common and, more often, there is no need for medical attention. However, just to be on the safer side, it is significant to call for medical attention if:
Any of the above signs can be an indication of a dangerous condition called DVT (deep vein thrombosis). DVT refers to the blood clot in the vein far down in the body. DVT requires immediate medical attention, as it can be fatal if the clot detaches from the vein and travels toward the heart or lungs.
Read Also: Feet Swelling During Pregnancy
Most women may experience leg cramps throughout their pregnancy. However, some may experience them until labor begins. In any case, following a proper fitness routine may keep them at bay. Stretching your calf muscles before bed may prevent cramps. Plus, a gentle workout and staying physically active may help with leg cramps. Moreover, drinking fluids, having calcium and magnesium supplements, and consuming a balanced diet minimize the risk of sudden cramps.
In most cases, experiencing leg cramps during pregnancy is normal. However, it’s good to consult a doctor if they remain for a long time. Plus, upgrading your daily routine can help manage the condition.
Leg cramps are common during pregnancy. However, if the pain, inflammation, or other symptoms stay persistent, it’s better to consult a doctor.
Factors such as increased blood circulation, extra body weight, and reduced calcium levels may cause cramps during pregnancy.
Ans. Any cramping with a severe intensity and frequency gets worse with time. Plus, cramping that occurs with sharp pain, vaginal discharge, or pelvic pressure isn’t common. In such conditions, it becomes important to seek medical advice.
References
Sparkling Water During Pregnancy – Benefits, Side Effects and Precautions
Antepartum Hemorrhage – What is It, Top Causes and Complications
Octopus During Pregnancy – Is It Safe, Top Benefits and Precautions
Curd During Pregnancy – Is it Safe to Have and Top Benefits
Top 500 Latest Baby Girl Names Starting With M
IBS During Pregnancy – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
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