Cramps are one of the common inconveniences of pregnancy. If they are benign, they can however be extremely embarrassing and painful for future mothers. What are they due to and how to relieve them? Explanations with Dr Caroline Verhaeghe, obstetrician-gynecologist.
Are you pregnant and your legs suddenly twitch at night while you sleep? THE cramps calves are among the common pregnancy symptoms. Most often, they are located in the lower limbs, and there is no warning sign to know that a cramp will occur. The muscle becomes stiff, painful and deformed for a few minutes and then returns to normal.
What Causes Calf Cramps During Pregnancy?
Calf cramps are frequent and benign, but can be particularly troublesome during pregnancy when they are added to lumbar pain, ligament pain and other inconveniences. “They can literally ruin patients’ lives, especially when they occur at night.“, comments Dr. Caroline Verhaeghe.
Whether they occur at the beginning of pregnancy, in the middle or at the end, the phenomenon at the origin of the cramps is the same. “Calf cramps are linked to lack of hydration, magnesium deficiency andvenous insufficiency. Insofar as circulation is more difficult, the muscles of the lower limbs are poorly vascularized, which promotes involuntary muscle contraction. Fatigue, lack of sleep, lack of physical activity and stress only amplify this phenomenon“, indicates the obstetrician-gynecologist.
Pregnant, I have calf cramps at night
In pregnant women, it is common for the cramps occur mainly at night. The calf contracts suddenly and the pain is such that it wakes up the mother-to-be. Fortunately, the pain disappears in a few minutes thanks to the stretching of the muscle concerned.
Do calf cramps occur early or late in pregnancy?
Leg cramps can happen at any time of the day, and even early or late in pregnancy.
To relieve a cramp, it is enough to stretch the muscle by raising the leg and massaging it from bottom to top. At the same time, it is important to rehydrate well. Also, to prevent the appearance of cramps during pregnancy, our interlocutor recommends adopting several reflexes:
- Drink water regularly throughout the day, without waiting to be thirsty,
- Practice regular physical activity such as swimming or walking to promote venous return,
- Stretch your calves before going to bed to relax them,
- Choose foods rich in magnesium (bananas, nuts, rice, wholemeal bread, etc.) and possibly take a magnesium cure in the form of food supplements,
- Promote venous return : Raising your legs in bed, avoiding high heels and soaking your legs in cold water are simple and effective remedies.
- Wear compression stockings
Thanks to Dr Caroline Verhaeghe, obstetrician gynecologist