Avoiding Leg Cramps During Pregnancy

In addition to back pain, abdominal pain and foot pain, women often experience severe leg cramps during pregnancy. The most common time for these leg cramps to appear is just after lying down to go to bed. They can also occur after sitting for a long period of time or after a day without much movement.

During pregnancy, a woman’s body undergoes extreme chemical changes in order to accommodate the new life inside of her. One of these changes is an difference in how the body accepts and processes nutrients. An excess of phosphorus or a lack of potassium can bring about leg cramps. Another common cause of leg cramps during pregnancy is the weight gain, which is obviously unavoidable.

If you are experiencing leg cramps during pregnancy, there are several ways to reduce or even eliminate the problem.

Avoiding Leg Cramps During Pregnancy: Stretching

The first thing that you can do to avoid leg cramps is to set up a routine for stretching every day. Sometimes once will be sufficient, while several times may be necessary. Talk to your doctor to determine the types of stretching exercises that won’t be detrimental to the fetus before you begin any exercise regimen. Stretching will help to warm the muscles and to decrease tension in the tendons and ligaments. It will also help to maintain flexibility, which is diminished during pregnancy.

Avoiding Leg Cramps During Pregnancy: Increase Circulation

Avoid positions (either sitting or standing) that might compromise blood flow to your extremities. When sitting on the couch or in a chair, elevate your legs toward your heart to increase blood flow, and try not to fold your legs underneath your seat because that will cut off circulation. If you notice that your ankles or toes frequently “fall asleep”, try rotating the joints to stimulate blood flow.

Avoiding Leg Cramps During Pregnancy: Increase Potassium Intake