What did you do to relieve this pregnancy symptom?

Question

I am 30 weeks pregnant and have some serious leg cramps at night. I went and saw a doctor and I don't have any blood clots. I have read up on this symptom, but none of the "What to Expect" books suggestions worked for me. Any tested methods that worked for you would be a great.

Answer 1

I had terrible leg cramps. I am a grandmother now and still get leg cramps. Each of my daughters suffered with them too and the following remedy has worked for us all.

THe best solution I have found was to eat potassium rich foods, which are healthy for you anyway. A banana, a kiwi fruit, some blueberries (those are my favorites), even a gatoraide although gatoraide can also cause some heartburn. When I was pregnant I had terrible heartburn too so I avoided gatoraide. Anyway, eat a banana or kiwi each night before bed.

For a nice bed-time treat, slice a banana up in a bowl and pour a little milk on it (so you get your calcium too). Drizzle it with real honey. Within just a couple of nights you will notice a reduced amount of leg cramps. Some finer fruited yogurts also are high in potassium. I hope this helps.

You might also try some leg warmers (if you can find them). THey used to be easy to find, but now you'd probably have to get them from a dance supply place.

Answer 2

A lot of time, cramps will come as a result of dehydration and lack of salt in the diet. Salt is an essential nutrient, so salt your food to taste. It's better to use sea salt vs. table salt, as it contains trace minerals also. Make sure you're drinking your body weight in ounces (if you weigh 150lb, drink 150 oz. or more of water) each day, and if you have anything with caffeine, be sure to replace that amount with water plus what you would normally drink (a 12 oz soda= 12 extra water). After a couple days, you should notice a difference. Good luck with your pregnancy!

Answer 3

That is your bodies way of telling you that you are low potassium, you can try eating bananas. I got them every night, my legs would cramp up so BAD, when I pointed my toes was the worst, uuggghh. I feel your pain. I tried increasing my potassium and stretching out before bed. The only thing that helped me was having my baby. Sorry. Congratulations!!

Answer 4

I was going to tell you what medication I used, and thought better of it. I don't want to come off as prescribing. Ask your doctor if there isn't any medication you can take. Try staying off your feet and keeping them elevated. It might just be that the baby is weighing heavily on the blood vesels in your groin and you don't have good circulation to your legs and that is why they ache. It may be the baby is taking lots of Vit D from what you intake, and you are being deprived of that...bones hurt. Remember as sweet as they are babies are parasites...they take from you whatever they need...bless their sweet little hearts!

Answer 5

I also had the same problem. I used a heating pad and put my legs on a few extra pillows at night before I went to bed, hope it helps:) Good Luck

Answer 6

My hubby rubbed icy/hot on my legs at night until they relaxed enough for me to fall asleep. Also, might try a pillow between your legs,while laying on your side, keeps pressure off your hips and seems to minimize leg twitches.

Answer 7

i get crampy legs, im 39 wks 3 days, i get my hubby to rub my legs, the poor thing, i wake him up at all times of the night, but i have found it to be the only thing that has helped, also walking does help a little, but who has the energy to walk around my dinning room table 40 times at 3 am in the moring? all the best of luck!

Answer 8

ive had 4 kids--straighten your leg and flex your toes toward your head. it feels real good and works too

Answer 9

Have you tried eating more bananas? I heard this helps.

Answer 10

I hope your baby is not fat.