What Causes Legs Cramps During Pregnancy?
Leg cramps during pregnancy are common. There is not one single cause for them. With proper medical intervention, leg cramps during pregnancy can be managed.
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Extra Weight
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Leg cramps during pregnancy can be caused by extra weight a pregnant woman carries. The uterus can exert pressure on the blood vessels and nerves of the legs, impeding blood flow which can cause cramping. Blood volume also increases during pregnancy, causing swelling of the tissues and vessels, which can also result in leg cramps during pregnancy.
Symptoms
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Symptoms of leg cramps can include a knotted up feeling in the back of the calf, cramps in the upper thighs from uterine pressure and throbbing pain in one or both of the legs and feet. Most often, these symptoms are not serious.
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Treatment
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Pregnancy leg cramps can be relieved with mild exercise including walking, unless it is contraindicated. Walking encourages blood flow and increases leg circulation. Calcium and magnesium supplements, along with prenatal vitamins alleviate leg cramps during pregnancy. Your physician can recommend the right dosage.
Quelling Leg Cramps
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Taking a warm bath can relax blood vessels and muscles in the legs, relieving cramps. Drinking adequate amounts of water each day can stave off dehydration and depletion of vital minerals, which can cause leg cramps. Sleeping on the left side improves circulation in the legs, alleviating or prevent cramps.
Call the Doctor
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The causes of leg cramps in pregnancy are many, and most are caused by normal physiological changes that occur in pregnancy, however, severe cramping and leg pain can be an ominous sign of a blood clot or circulation deficit. If cramping and pain are severe, call your physician for prompt medical evaluation and intervention.
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