During the second and third trimester, you may have painful leg cramps, especially at night or while sleeping. You can also have a nervous feeling in the legs. The cramps usually occur more frequently in the last months of pregnancy. Causes of leg cramps
pregnancy
cramps occur when muscles tighten suddenly causing pain. The muscles tense for various reasons such as lack of fluids, injury, muscle strain or remain in the same position for an extended period. Blood circulation problems or pressure on spinal nerves can also cause pain similar to cramps in the legs.
is not known with certainty why increase leg cramps during pregnancy. Can occur by:
-Changes in blood circulation during pregnancy.
"The pressure on the muscles of the leg weight extra pregnancy.
-pressure exerted by the growing baby on the nerves and blood vessels that go to the legs.
Experts used to believe that leg cramps were due to lack of calcium in the diet . We no longer believe that's true. (But make sure to eat enough dairy products and other calcium-rich foods during pregnancy. Calcium is important for the development of the baby and keep bones strong and healthy mother.)
Leg Cramps: What You Can Do
These tips will help prevent or relieve leg cramps: Stretching
. Stretching legs (especially calves) before going to bed, have less cramping. When you feel a cramp in the leg, pull it with the extended heel and toes move. Avoid putting your foot on top when stretching or exercising.
Avoid sitting or standing in one position for an extended period. Avoid sitting in a position to restrict blood flow (such as sitting cross-legged for a long time). Exercise
. Regular exercise, such as daily walks, help prevent leg cramps. (Be sure to consult the health professional you exercises to do and how long can maintain physical activity program.) If you can stand, walk a few minutes to relieve pain and relax the muscle of the leg.
Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid becoming dehydrated. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
leg massage and apply heat. When you have a leg cramp, relax the smooth muscles with a massage or heat the muscle with a warm towel or hot water bottle. A warm bath before bed can help relax muscles and prevent cramps. When
talk with healthcare
cramps usually disappear without medical treatment, but may be a sign of a more serious problem. Talk to your health professional immediately if:
The pain is frequent and severe
notice redness, warmth, swelling or discomfort in the leg
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PUBLISHED: born healthy
More Information: Pregnancy & More
More Information: Pregnancy & More - Calcium during pregnancy
