Pregnancy pain normal??

Question

Hi I am 38 weeks pregnant and I have horrible knee and calf pains. Has anyone else experienced this or is it normal.

Answer 1

Yes. I've experienced both.

The knee pain is most likely due to your knees supporting a lot more weight than they are used to. At 38 weeks pregnant you have probably gained all or most of the weight you're going to gain, between 20-30 pounds - and your knees simply aren't used to it. Take more breaks with your feet up, which is good for swelling around ankles as well. Try not to lift anything heavy from the floor, either (though if you already have an older child, good luck with that...)

The pain in your calves could be charley horses - severe muscle cramps - which are also normal during pregnancy. It can be relieved by taking a little extra calcium - like Tums, as directed on the package - every day.

As for the cure -- it's coming soon! After the baby is born, you'll lose that weight quickly (especially if you breastfeed), your body chemistry will get back to normal, and you won't have those problems anymore.

Best wishes with your delivery and new baby!

Answer 2

Is the calf pain a cramping pain? Or like a sore muscle? When I was pregnant, I had lots of leg cramps. Try drinking more water (especially in this heat - very important) and eating bananas (for potassium). With respect to the knee pain, it's probably from carrying the extra weight. I had terrible hip pain, but as soon as I delivered our twins, the pain went away. Hopefully that will be the case for you too. If you take any pain relievers, use tylenol or ask your OB.

Answer 3

It is because you are carrying extra weight. When you are pregnant you are usually a least 20 pounds heavier than pre-pregnancy, this adding extra weight for your legs to support. This is also why some will have swollen ankle.
Don't worry it is normal, I had the pain too. Try sitting with your feet above waist level. Lay down in bed or on the couch and put a pillow or two under your feet, this always helped me.

I forgot about the leg cramps those are the worst. Just rub your legs and try to relax through it. I am pregnant with number two (3 months) and am already getting the cramps.

Answer 4

The knee pain could be because of the extra weight you body is not used to carrying around. The calf pain - just be glad you just started to feel this pain. Most preg. women feel it much earlier and very often. I've woken up in the middle of the night with a calf cramp hurting so bad I couldn't do anything but wake up my husband and grunt frantically pointing to my calf hoping he'll figure out I need some rubbing.

Answer 5

Keep in mind that your knees and calves are carrying quite a load now. I'd try some mild stretching exercises and definitely relax as much as possible. If you are still worried, call your doctor. That's why he gets paid the big bucks, to answer your questions.

Answer 6

i dont know if its normal or not, but i'm almost 41 weeks and every joint in my body has hurt me at some point durring pregnancy, especialy the last month or so. my ankles, calves, knees, thighs, hips, back, shoulders, and neck. my dr never seemed concerned about it, even when i told her it would wake me up at least 4 times a night. she just told me to take some tylenol before bed or durring the day if it got too bothersome. i cant say for sure if its normal, but thats been my experience.

Answer 7

That is normal it is from the extra weight from the baby. Try to stay off your feet as much as possible that should help. CONGRATS and Goodluck

Answer 8

Yes, it's from all the extra weight you're carrying around. It is especially worse if you were a small person to begin with.

Answer 9

I haven't experienced it before, but I'm pretty sure that it is normal since you are pregnant. Hope ya feel better, and congratulations!

Answer 10

have you been checked for pre eclampcia? If its not that then you might want to soak in a warm tub and elevate your legs...since your so close to being in labor theres not sence of getting the support leggings