Leg Cramps During Pregnancy.

Leg cramps are a sudden tightening of muscles, which can cause intense pain. It is not uncommon to experience leg cramps during pregnancy, particularly in the third trimester. According to Danforth's Obstetrics and Gynecology, almost half of all pregnant women suffer from muscle spasms in their calves, with cramping more frequent during the evening.

No one really knows why women have increased leg cramps during pregnancy. Speculation is that your leg muscles are tired and stressed from carrying extra weight. As you gain more weight, your leg cramps may increase. It could also be caused by pressure from the growing baby and expanding uterus being placed on the nerves and blood vessels that go to your legs.
There is some speculation that too little calcium can cause leg cramps. There are no good studies that support these theories at this time. However, it is a good idea to increase your calcium intake during your pregnancy. This nutrient is important to your baby's development and helps keep your own bones strong and healthy.

There are a few things that you can do to treat leg cramps or prevent them from occurring. Try one or more of the following interventions to help relieve or prevent your leg cramps.

To try and prevent leg cramps you can take these precautions:

• Avoid standing or sitting with your legs crossed for long periods of time since it can restrict your blood flow.
• Take a warm bath before bedtime may help to relax your muscles.
• Stretch your calf and leg muscles a few times a day, especially before bedtime. (Avoid pointing your toes)
• Rotate your ankles and wiggle your toes when you are sitting to increase circulation.
• If your doctor allows it, try to take a walk every day.
• Lie on your left side to improve your circulation.
• Elevate your legs when possible.
• Wear supportive stockings.
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
• Magnesium has been proven to be beneficial in the treatment of leg cramps. If your doctor allows it, take a supplement in addition to your prenatal vitamin.

Here are some tips to relieve leg cramps:

If, despite all your precautions, you do get a leg cramp you should immediately straighten your leg, heel first, and gently flex your toes back toward your shins. If someone is with you, have them massage the muscle that is cramping. This may hurt at first, but it will ease the spasm and the pain will gradually go away. Warming the muscle with a warm towel or hot water bottle or heating pad may help relax the cramp. You can also try walking around, or standing on a cold surface. Some women have found that Tylenol or Acetaminophen is helpful in relieving the pain.

Leg cramps usually go away on their own without any medical treatment. But if your muscle pain is constant and not just an occasional cramp — or if you notice any redness, warmth, swelling or tenderness in your leg you should call your health care provider.