Deal With Leg Cramps During Pregnancy

Leg cramps are painful muscle contractions that usually affect your calf, foot, or both. This condition is also common during pregnancy and often happens at night during the second and third trimesters. While experts aren’t sure what causes leg cramps during pregnancy, they can be extremely painful at times. Let’s learn more about dealing with these cramps below.

Steps to Prevent Leg Cramps During Pregnancy

If you’re getting leg cramps, make sure to speak to your healthcare provider regarding pain management in pregnancy. However, there are several steps that you can undertake to prevent them, which include:

1. Stretch Your Calf Muscles

Stretching before bed may prevent leg cramps during pregnancy. Stand at your arm's length from a wall. Then, place your hands on the wall in front of you. Later, move your right foot behind your left foot.

Bend your left leg forward slowly, keeping your right knee straight and your right heel on the floor. Hold the stretch for around 30 seconds. Bend your hips forward and keep your back straight. Don't shift your feet outward or inward. Switch your legs and repeat.

2. Stay Active

Regular physical activity might help prevent leg cramps during pregnancy. Make sure to talk to your healthcare provider to prevent any pregnancy complications before you begin an exercise program.

3. Drink Plenty of Fluids

If you keep your muscles hydrated, this might help prevent cramps. When you're drinking sufficient fluids, your urine should be light yellow or clear. If urine is a darker yellow, it means you're not getting enough water.

4. Get Enough Calcium

Research suggests that lower levels of calcium in the blood during pregnancy may also contribute to leg cramps. If you're pregnant or could become pregnant, make sure to get 1,000 milligrams of calcium a day.

5. Consider a Magnesium Supplement

Sometimes, taking a magnesium supplement might also help prevent leg cramps during pregnancy. Speak to your healthcare provider before taking a supplement. You also might consider eating various magnesium-rich foods as a part of your healthy pregnancy diet, such as beans, dried fruits, whole grains, nuts, and seeds.

6. Wear the Right Shoes

Pick comfortable shoes that provide good support for your feet. It might also help you to wear shoes with a firm heel counter. This particular part often surrounds the heel and helps you secure the foot in the shoe.