Leg cramps and 17 weeks pregnant?

Question

I'm 17 weeks pregnant, and lately I have been experiencing leg cramps when I first wake up in the morning. They really ache. Is this a common pregnancy symptom? Is there any way to reduce the pain or prevent it?

Answer 1

I'm 17 weeks pregnant as well and have been experiencing severe leg and feet cramps. It's a very normal part of pregnancy. Try adding more potasium to your diet. Eat a banana or two every day and don't forget to take your prenatal vitamins. The increased potasium should help reduce the cramps, unfortunately they're not going to totally go away until you're either farther along or the baby's born. If they get so severe that it interferes with you walking or keeps you up all hours, you may want to ask your doctor some cramp relief methods that are safe. Be sure to ask before taking any over the counter medications and don't try taking hot baths. I know a nice, hot bath may sound like the best thing in the world right now...but it can be extremely dangerous for the baby. It raises your core body temperature and can cause misacarriage or other problems. If nothing else, you could get a nice leg massage. It'll increase blood flow to those muscles and increase the amount of oxygen they're getting as well...and who wouldn't want a nice massage? =)

Answer 2

VERY common, boost your calcium and potassium intake.


From http://www.babycenter.com/refcap/pregnancy/prenatalhealth/250.html :

Why are my legs cramping up so much?
It's most likely because your leg muscles are tired from carrying around extra weight. Leg cramps may start to plague you during your second trimester and get worse as your pregnancy progresses and your belly gets bigger. They may be aggravated by the pressure your expanding uterus puts on the blood vessels that return blood from your legs to your heart and the nerves leading from your trunk to your legs. While these cramps can occur during the day, you'll probably notice them most at night.

You may have read that getting too little calcium and potassium can cause leg cramps — or that getting too much phosphorus (found in processed meat, snack foods, and soda) can have the same effect because it can keep you from absorbing enough calcium. But no good studies back up either of those theories. It's a good idea, though, to make sure you're getting enough calcium while you're pregnant. If you don't, your growing baby will leach what he needs from your bones, which can put you at higher risk for osteoporosis later. Be sure not to take calcium supplements that contain bone meal or dolomite, which can contain dangerous levels of lead. (In fact, don't take any herbal or vitamin supplements without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.)

What can I do about these cramps?
Try these tips for keeping leg cramps at bay:
• Avoid standing or sitting with your legs crossed for long periods of time.

• Stretch your calf muscles (see below) regularly during the day and several times before you go to bed.

• Rotate your ankles and wiggle your toes when you sit, eat dinner, or watch TV.

• Take a walk every day, unless your midwife or doctor has advised you not to exercise.

• Avoid getting too tired. Lie down on your left side to improve circulation in your legs.

• Stay well-hydrated during the day by drinking water regularly.

• Try a warm bath before bed to relax your muscles.

• There's some evidence that taking a magnesium supplement in addition to a prenatal vitamin may have some benefit. But check with your provider before taking any kind of supplement during pregnancy.

If you do get a cramp, immediately stretch your calf muscles: Straighten your leg, heel first, and gently flex your toes back toward your shins. It might hurt at first, but it will ease the spasm and the pain will gradually go away. You can relax the cramp by massaging the muscle or warming it with a hot-water bottle. Walking around for a few minutes may help, too.

What if the pain persists?
If your muscle pain is constant and not just an occasional cramp, or if you notice swelling or tenderness in your leg, call your practitioner. In rare cases, a pregnant woman may develop a blood clot, which requires immediate medical attention.

Answer 3

oh I had them when I was pregnant! They hurt.
It's very common, and I don't think there is much you can do about it, make sure you are taking your vitamins and maybe extra calcium. but check with your doctor first. I always took tums, they have calcium and toward the end of pregnancy also helped with my heartburn. But when it happens flex your toes up and they should go away. also make sure your not dehydrated. but just remember to flex your toes to stop the pain. Good luck.

Answer 4

This is really common. I found flexing my toes back toward my head gave instant relief during a cramp. My doctor reccomended upping my calcium intake with a couple of Tums each day. Check with your doctor first though! It did help quite a bit.

Answer 5

I had the same problem for both my pregnancies. During my second pregnancy I was told by my midwife to take liquid calcium and also to eat a banana on a daily basis.

Answer 6

Sounds like Low Potassium and or low calcium. Eat Bananas may help. Make sure you are taking prenatal vitamins.

Answer 7

Sometimes when your dehydrated you will get leg cramps, and sometimes if you are walking a whole lot, rest your legs more and drink plenty of water.

Answer 8

Sugar. You need something sweet.
My daughter just had blood tests.
Try bananas as well. Potassium deficiency can also cause it.