Lower Leg Pain during Pregnancy

Leg cramps can cause lower leg pain during pregnancy. Learn why leg cramps happen, how to soothe a leg cramp and how to prevent them.

Causes

Because the blood volume increases during pregnancy, potassium and other nutrient levels can be diluted. Nutritional deficiencies are the most common cause of leg cramps during pregnancy. Prenatal vitamins don't deliver every nutrient a pregnancy body needs.

Prevention

Potatoes, dried apricots, raisins, soy flour, bananas and molasses are high in potassium. One spoonful of molasses has more potassium than two bananas. Use molasses as a sweetener for cookies, pancakes or bread. Food sources of vitamins are absorbed into the bloodstream faster than supplements.

Solutions

If you feel a lower leg pain during pregnancy (most commonly occurs late at night), stand up and flex your toes. Bend your foot at the heel and point your toes up toward your knee. Walk around in circles several times until it no longer hurts. Eat a potassium-rich snack before you go back to bed, or take a homeopathic leg cramp remedy.

Misconceptions

Some people think that leg cramps are caused by blood clots. While blood clots can cause lower leg pain, they're not common during pregnancy.

Prevention

Getting plenty of exercise during the day can help bring oxygen deep into your leg muscles, reducing the amount of leg cramps you feel.

Warning

Long-term potassium deficiencies can be dangerous to your heart health. If your leg cramps become severe, see your doctor.

Resources

• Hylands Leg Cramp Remedy