Leg Cramps

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Published on Thursday, 29 September 2011 09:44

Written by Ginny

Leg Cramps

Muscle cramps are common in pregnancy and often occur as sudden spasms in the calves. Individual spasms only last a few minutes and may result from the weight you are carrying. They may also be caused by circulation changes or calcium deficiency.

Prevention:

• Exercise regularly
• Make sure your diet contains sufficient calcium, or take a calcium and magnesium supplement
• Keep your legs warm
• Take a warm bath before you go to bed
• Do not point your toes when stretching
  

Exercise:

Stand 30cm away from the wall. Bend your front knee and lean forward, with you back knee straight move the foot back as far as you can without lifting the heel. Hold for a few seconds, dropping your weight into your back heel. Change legs. Repeat several times.

• When a cramp hits you, grab your toes and pull them towards your knees, or do the above exercise
• Press your forefinger into the joint between your big toe and second toe in the affected limb, the cramp will instantly go
• Massage the cramped muscle
• Stand up and walk when you are able
• Soak your cramped muscles in warm water or use a heat pack for warmth