21 Weeks and Multiple Charlie Horses?

Question

For the past two nights I have had really bad dreams, and in waking up from them I get charlie horses. The night before last it was my left leg, and then last night it was both legs. The pain lasts for about a minute, and it's severe enough that I want to cry out but don't because I'm too embarrassed to wake my boyfriend.

I have a mountain of pillows to support me and I sleep mostly on my left side, with a pillow behind me in case I do try to sleep on my back. Then I'm propped up enough that I'm not crushing any vital organs or veins.

What could be causing these charlie horses, especially after dreaming?

Answer 1

The baby takes nutrition from the mom, and leg cramps are usually a sign of low calcium and/or low potassium. You shouldn't double up on potassium without your doctors advice because it can cause heart problems.

Let your doctor know about these. You may need to add more dairy products to your diet. If you are working, wear support hose!

Call your doctor today and tell him and ask his advice...what to add to diet, what to do.

Answer 2

A baby weighs about 1 lb at 20 weeks, towarsd the end it will gain about a 1/2 pound a week. As far as Charlie Horses try eating bananas a lot of times when it happens you lack potassium. I used to get them a lot with my second pregnancy but not with my third but I was taking a very good vitamin product with my third. If calf charlie horse flex your foot towards you and massage the calf it helps relieve it faster. Hope this helps.

Answer 3

First of all, Its ok to sleep on your back. Whatever way is comfortable. I think what you may be experienceng is a ciatic nerve pain. I had them with both my pregnancies, The baby is resting on the verve, you kinda have to deal with the pain. It may get worse as you get further along. If you have pain in the lower leg, try stretching your feet up toward you. This stretches the calf muscle. And the dreams probly have no connection with the pain. Wierd dreams are common in pregnant women. Trust me!! Hope it helps.

Answer 4

These charlie horses are very common in pregnancy. You'll find they are relieved if you increase your calcium and potassium intakes. Drink 3 glasses of milk per day and 3-4 bananas per day. Especially, just before bed, injest a quick cup of milk and banana or some cereal with banana on it.

Good luck

Answer 5

When I was pregnant, if I was sleeping on my side and stretched out my legs I ALWAYS got them. It was usually right after I woke (usually because of a dream) and then stretched out to get comfortable to go back to sleep. After I while, I was very careful not to stretch them until after I had already sat up in bed. I agree with you that they're very painful. I don't know if this helps, but if not, I hope that someone has advice for you.

Answer 6

extra blood flow. and in the bad dream you could be tensing up your body. sorry to break it to you but charlie horses are common all through out pregnancy talk to your doctor also. walk around when the happen too to get the blood flowing out of your legs again

Answer 7

eat one banana a day and at night before u go to sleep..stretch your legs in bed..point your toes as far as you can and hold for 10 seconds..do this 50 times and it should stop..I suffered from same thing and that fixed it..My doc told me to do this.Don't eat more than one banana a day as it will make you constipated.

Answer 8

i get them when I haven't had enough potassium/after hard workouts. Try eating a banana each day.

You may be "running" in your sleep and kicking your legs hard

Answer 9

Not enough fiber and iron in your diet. its that simple. that's what the doctor will tell you. eat a banana before you go to bed with a glass of milk.

Answer 10

eat banana's you need potassium. also stay hydrated. the reason for Charlie horses is you muscles are dehydrated you need potassium to keep them hydrated.