has anyone got those HORRIBLE charlie horse pains in ure calves during pregnancy?? every morning i wake up with them and they are unbearable!! how do i stop them or at least tolerate them?
2006-10-18 07:43:00 · 17 answers · asked by toolate 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
OH YES!!! I had a real bad one a few weeks ago and I felt the pain for a few days after.
You need potassium. When it's cold in the mornings, I have a habit of stretching my legs and when I do, I also have a habit of pointing my toes (it's automatic) when I stretch. DON'T DO THAT! That's when you get the cramps. Instead of pointing your toes out, try flexing them in.
I started eating more bananas and when I stretch, I point my toes upward and outward. I haven't gotten a cramp since.
Good luck!
2006-10-18 07:58:58 · answer #1 · answered by JoesWifee 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I was always told potassium helped muscle cramps. I would eat a banana and drink some milk. Both are good sources of potassium. I know from experience if you stand and walk on it while you are cramping, they go away faster and don't result in that massive knot you are usually left with.
I also did some looking on line.
webmd.com says:
Leg Cramps
Pressure from your growing uterus can cause leg cramps or sharp pains down your legs.
Recommendations:
Be sure to eat and drink foods and beverages rich in calcium (such as milk, broccoli or cheese).
Wear comfortable, low-heeled shoes.
Try wearing support hose but avoid any leg wear that is too tight.
Elevate your legs when possible; avoid crossing your legs.
Exercise daily.
Stretch your legs before going to bed.
Avoid lying on your back, since the weight of your body and the pressure of your enlarged uterus can slow the circulation in your legs, causing cramps.
Gently stretch any muscle that becomes cramped by straightening your leg, flexing your foot and pulling your toes toward you.
Try massaging the cramp, or apply heat or a hot water bottle to the sore area.
It also has some info about other common pregnancy complaints
2006-10-18 07:57:27 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
With my first pregnancy I had them nearly every night. Everyone says more potassium, but I ate bananas til i was sick, and it didnt help.
I didnt find out until my second that repeated charlie horses like the ones I had may be a sign of an underlying problem. Speak to your doctor and let you doctor knwo you are having them and their frequency. If you are concerned, so should your doctor.
2006-10-18 08:08:01 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
When you get one flex your foot upwards. If they are too bad then ask your hubby to do it for you. Otherwise, stand up and lean forward a little at the ankle. That will flex your foot for you. First thing I want to do when I wake up is stretch in bed which usually includes pointing my foot. This will almost always trigger a cramp. So, if you're doing the same try to avoid it. Then there's adding more potassium (like bananas). Good luck!
2006-10-18 08:01:50 · answer #4 · answered by JordanB 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sleep with a pillow between your knees on your left side and don't sleep on your back,the pressure from the uterus cuts off the circulation to your legs..causing cramps and stiffness.Also when you wake up in the morning take your time to sit up SLOWLY and bring your legs down one at a time.Sit on the side of the bed for a minute or two and then continue with your day..Hope this helps!
2006-10-18 07:55:00 · answer #5 · answered by FLORIDA 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, I had them about 4 or 5 times. They were HORRIBLE! I haven't gotten them in about two weeks though. I dont know why they happen. I would just be waking up and them BAM charlie horse! It sucks... but it will probably pass.
2006-10-18 07:46:05 · answer #6 · answered by Ashley P 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
calcium, with vitamin d and potassium, be careful massaging your calves, seriously, there is a pressure point 4 fingers above your ankle bone that starts contractions. Drink more water, rest with your feet elevated. ask your doctor.
2006-10-18 07:47:56 · answer #7 · answered by Sara 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I've had a few and the doctor said it was a calcium deficiency to drink more milk or take extra calcium supplements. Good luck, I know they're painful!
2006-10-18 07:45:59 · answer #8 · answered by justwondering 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I had them all the time. Get more Calcium and potassium. That seemed to help be. Best sources are milk and bananas.
2006-10-18 08:16:47 · answer #9 · answered by Queen Queso 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Maybe try some light streching.
Also you might not be getting enough potassium.
Try adding some potassuim rich foods like bananas to your diet.
2006-10-18 07:46:01 · answer #10 · answered by Nicole K 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋