Leg Cramps during pregnancy?

Question

Lately at night I have been getting THE WORST leg cramps ever! They are excruciating!!!! To the point where Im screaming!
Does anyone know why I get these? I am 7 months pregnant.

Answer 1

I know of at least two possible reasons for leg cramps and both are easily remedied.

One reason is dehydration. Are you getting enough to drink? When I was pregnant with my daughter I was told that I was supposed to be drinking about 64 ounces of water over the course of the day. If you aren't getting enough to drink, muscle cramps can be a problem. (Also, you could have more painful Braxton-Hicks is you're not getting enough to drink.)

Another cause of the muscle cramps could also be a lack of potassium. Bananas and potatoes with the skin on can be great helps if lack of potassium is the reason for your muscle cramps.

Either way, this is something that you should mention to your doctor. He may be able to suggest some other possible causes and solutions.

Good luck!

Answer 2

I am sure someone has already said what I'm about to say, but I don't want to read all of the answers.
Try not pointing your toes when you stretch because that is a sure fire way to get cramps. Also, eat a banana or two everyday. Cramps can be caused by a lack of potassium..So, try to do that and it should help to ease the pain. If/when you do get the cramps the only thing you can do is swear and try to massage it out and let it pass.
They suck..lol
Good luck.
And don't forget if you want to stretch your legs do NOT pioint your toes!!
Good Luck~

Answer 3

When you get these I'm assuming calf and ankle, right?) IMMEDIATELY flex your foot to a point. I know it hurts but it will help give you relief. I've gone through this in 4 pregnancies and after a while you learn how not to move your legs when you first wake up :) Make sure you stay VERY hydrated and eat a few extra bananas (my doc told me about the bananas and it works pretty well). Good luck!

Answer 4

Circulation/water. On your next doctor visit tell the doctor. In the meantime when you sit down try to keep your feet/legs elevated. In bed if you can sleep on your back or side elevate your feet/legs as well. This will take the strain off of your legs. But make sure your doctor knows about it just to be on the safe side.

Answer 5

im not exactly sure i think its due to the extra weight of your uterus, and the fact that the blood isn't circulating as well as it was before.
i do know however that to prevent them you should be drinking plenty of water, and try sleeping on your left side which is the best way to sleep for good circulation.
when i get a cramp in my leg i pull my toes up towards me, which does hurt but it takes the cramp away quicker, do not bend your toes away from you this is extermly sore!!

Answer 6

Honey, it's part of the pregnancy. It sounds like you're getting a charlie horse, or that your legs are getting really swollen. If you are still working, you might want to cut your hours or quit if it's getting unbearable. Have your partner massage your legs really good, and talk to your dr to see if there's anything that can be done. Because I had that problem, and I ended up getting edema, which means a lot of swelling, and my bp was high, so get checked out, but it's common to happen in pregnancy. Elevate your feet and soak them in warm water...

Good luck on your little one..

Answer 7

It is a lack of calcium in your muscles. remember A womans body automatically feeds the baby everything it needs and thus often neglects itself. You can try more milk product or just take two calcium suppliments a day. I had the same thing and that is what my doctor had me do. You can consult you OB/GYN to make sure they are ok with it.

Answer 8

Here are some of the causes of leg cramps during pregnancy.

1) Fatigue or tiredness from carrying excess pregnancy weight are a common cause of leg cramps in obese people.

2) Your expanding uterus puts a pressure on the veins that transfer blood from your feet to your heart.

3) A diet that contains an excess of phosphorus but lesser calcium or magnesium contents, which, in turn, causes a shortage of nutrients and salts that circulates with your blood.

Here are some solutions how to prevent leg cramps during pregnancy. http://www.momjunction.com/articles/prevent-leg-cramps-pregnancy_0099/

Answer 9

My sister used to get them. Her Doctor suggested she try drinking more water during the day. It worked.

Answer 10

I don't know why these happen towards the end of pregnancy but with my daughter I also used to be in agony with them and it was always in the middle of the night.