Leg Cramps during Pregnancy

________________________________________________________________________

KEY POINTS

• Leg cramps are common during pregnancy. They can happen without warning at any time during the day or night.
• Try to avoid pointing your toes while stretching your legs, and try doing stretching exercises every day.
• Discuss your symptoms with your healthcare provider at your next prenatal visit.

________________________________________________________________________

What are leg cramps during pregnancy?

Leg cramps are common during pregnancy. They can happen without warning at any time during the day or night.

What is the cause?

While the causes are not known, there are many theories about why the cramps happen during pregnancy. One theory is that the growing uterus presses on the nerves.

How can I take care of myself?

If you have leg cramps, here are some tips that give some relief:

• Try to avoid pointing your toes while stretching your legs, especially first thing in the morning and at night around bedtime. Sometimes stretching the legs with pointed toes can trigger a leg cramp.
• Do stretching exercises a couple of times a day. You can do the same kind of stretching exercises that runners do to stretch their calf muscles. Stand a couple of feet away from a wall. Then put your hands against the wall at about shoulder level. Keep your knees straight and your heels on the floor. Then lean forward slowly toward the wall until you feel a gentle stretch in the back of your legs. Don’t bounce on your legs. Hold the stretch for about 15 to 30 seconds.
• If you have a leg cramp and someone is around to help, have them push your foot upward so that your toes point towards your knees. If no one is around to help, you can try pulling the ball of your foot up so that your toes point towards your knees. Keeping this position steady for about a minute may help relieve the cramp.