Pregnant with leg cramps?

Question

I am 24 weeks pregnant today and I just now started to have leg and arm cramps in the middle of the night. Why is this? and is there anything I can do about it? I lay on my left side most of the night and I woke up this morning with terrible pain in my left leg and arm. I have a body pillow I just started to try, not sure if its helping or not. Any suggestions???

Answer 1

This could be caused by a couple of things: if you're talking about a Charlie horse, these tend to be caused by a lack of potassium or magnesium...are you taking a good prenatal vitamin? If so, add some bananas or other potassium rich foods and some magnesium rich foods and see if this helps.
Another leg pain could be caused simply by the pressure of the baby...it could be sciatica, which is a nerve pain that shoots down your leg, especially in the thigh and around the bum. If this sounds more like your pain, try shifting positions more often or get one of those pregnancy pillows. I've also see a beanbag made specifically for pregnant women. It has a hole in the middle so that you can lay face down without hurting your tummy. I think they're around $100 or so but would be very comfortable I should think. This could help with that problem because there would be no pressure on your hips this way.
Try doing some pregnancy yoga positions which feature face-down positions. Get a video like Yoga Momma to help instruct you. This may help you out, plus you'll have the added benefit of becoming more fit and help with your laboring positions and things if you continue throughout your pregnancy.

Congrats and good luck! Hope your feeling better soon!

Answer 2

As a woman who has been pregnant three times, I can tell you that moving now and then just to avoid poor circulation or soreness is helpful. Though the left side is best, the right side is a suitable alternative when the left side is uncomfortable.

Eat plenty of Potassium in the form of bananas and fresh fruit, as well. Keep your diet varied and be sure that you eat an adequate amount of protein, as well. Keeping healthy during pregnancy is just the same as at any other time. Eat well, exercise, and listen to your body's cues.

Have a great pregnancy, and enjoy your new baby when it comes!

Answer 3

Oh you poor thing. Leg cramps are the worst thing. Fortunately they are normal during pregnancy (so i've been told many times). I've had them with every one of my pregnancies as have friends. I believe they are caused by loosened ligaments & pregnancy effected peripheral circulation. Try pulling your foot back while having the cramp or just before. This is a tried & true remedy for me.

Answer 4

I've heard eating more bananas helps. Supposedly it is a potassium deficiency that causes the cramps. Good luck to you, those hurt so bad!

Answer 5

well when youre pregnant you cramp so i wouldn't worry keep trying the body pillow and if it dont work in a few days go to the doctor

Answer 6

I know it sounds crazy, but try to relax your whole body during the cramps. Try some lamaze relaxation techniques. Tensing up when your muscles are already tense makes the pain worse.

Answer 7

Totally normal - and sorry but they get worse. Keep drinking water. I really suffered with them when I had my daughter and was told it was part of the process. I found that gentle swimming seemed to improve them.

Answer 8

Had them often i am so sorry for you , eat a banana before bed. Take vitamin c and b on top of prenatals. do you like peanut better? try that on crackers before bed too, believe it or not the banana works great

Answer 9

i have been told that you should take more potassium and drink lots of water. you can also do leg stretches which will help loosen up your ligaments and muscles.

Answer 10

Try getting more potassium. At least thats what my doctor said.