The baby growing in your uterus (womb), gains weight, along with the added mass of the uterus, the amniotic fluid (the fluid surrounding the fetus), the placenta etc. You might also have seen a few additional pounds as your body retains fluids. The end result is weight gain far beyond the weight of the fetus alone. The later in the pregnancy, the more fluids and weight gain, all serving to supply the baby with a perfect development environment. This may be as much as 18 to forty pounds in extra weight that the expectant mom, carries daily. This weight is ultimately all transmitted to the lower limbs, leading to pressure on the muscle tissues of the legs and resultant cramps. Leg cramps during pregnancy is also blamed on low calcium and increased phosphorus levels in your blood stream. Leg cramps might also occur because of extended standing or walking. The fetus can also be applying pressure upon the blood vessels and nerves that pass via the abdomen to the legs. Unfortunately, leg cramps often take place during the night (nocturnal) but may happen during the day.
What defensive measures can you take to avoid leg cramps?
Should you avoid exercise?
Of course not! On the contrary, it's best to make an effort to have frequent periods of moderate exercise trying to keep away from anything that feels like it is straining any muscles. Quick walks of about 15-20 minutes are highly recommended. Leg stretching exercises are also advocated as these help relax the muscles of the lower limbs. If needed, a physiotherapist should be consulted to help with these easy exercises. Whenever possible (e.g. while watching TV or studying a book, try to wiggle your toes and rotate your ankles; this simple maneuver helps enhance blood circulation inside the legs. Above all, it is important to avoid dehydration by sufficient water intake. Keep in mind, that, cramps are sometimes precipitated by inadequate fluid intake. To prevent nocturnal cramps, try taking a hot water bath just before bedtime. Don't overdo physical activity. As we talked about before, regular and brief exercises are the important thing to prevent leg cramps. Try resting on your side while sleeping, as opposed to lying supine or prone. It is believed that taking magnesium dietary supplements also helps avoid leg cramps in pregnancy. However, a word of warning here- all medication during pregnancy ought to be taken after proper consultation with your gynecologist or physician.
Treatment of an acute attack of leg cramps:
Experts recommend speedy stretching of the calf muscles (the soleus and gastrocnemius) at the onset of cramping. This is achieved by pulling the toes in the direction of the shin of the leg bone. Also it is recommended to softly work the cramped muscle tissue of the leg and soak it in warm water.
For more details about leg cramps see the hyperlink below.
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Mark Livingston helps people treat their health problems with the internet's most complete on-line medical diagnosis software. Look here for more information about Leg cramps during pregnancy
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