Is It Normal to Get Leg Cramps During Pregnancy?

Gravida leg cramps refers to calf cramps during pregnancy, which is medically called gastrocnemius spasm. About half of the pregnant women have leg cramps during the second trimester, which is more likely to occur at night.

Basic Information

Visiting department

obstetrics

Common locations

Calf

Common causes

Fatigue, calcium deficiency, unbalanced diet, cold, inappropriate sleeping position, etc.

Common symptoms

Sudden painful involuntary gastrocnemius contraction

Causes of leg cramps in pregnant women

Fatigue

After the second trimester, the weight of the pregnant woman gradually increases, the burden on the legs increases, the leg muscles are often in a state of fatigue, and local acidic metabolites accumulate, causing leg cramps; slowing blood circulation and accumulation of metabolic waste such as carbon dioxide can also induce cramps.

2. Calcium deficiency

During pregnancy, the secretion of parathyroid gland increases, the secretion of calcitonin decreases, and a large amount of calcium loss occurs. In addition, the amount of calcium required for fetal growth and development, especially for bone growth, is large, and these calcium sources are derived from the mother. The amount of calcium affects muscle excitability. If the calcium deficiency is severe enough to cause muscle contraction, and this condition continues to cause cramps.

3. Unbalanced diet

For example, pregnant women may cause cramps after excessive intake of meat. Once the meat is rich in protein, too much intake affects the metabolism of carbohydrates, leading to the accumulation of acidic metabolites and electrolyte disorders. One of the manifestations of electrolyte disorders is cramps.

4. cold

In winter night, the room temperature is low, the sleeping cover is too thin or the legs and feet are exposed, which can cause cold muscle invasion and cause leg muscle spasms.

5. Improper sleeping posture

In late pregnancy, most pregnant women can only choose to lie on their side when resting. The calf being oppressed for a long time due to lying on its side or the quilt being too tight will hinder blood circulation, cause the deposition of metabolites, and cause muscle spasms.

Clinical manifestations of leg cramps in pregnant women

Mainly manifested as sudden painful involuntary gastrocnemius muscles with strong contraction, obvious muscle bulges, harder touch and unable to relax, stretching and massage of the affected area can be relieved, and each episode can occur for several minutes. It occurs during sleep at night, especially during cold nights.

Pregnant woman leg cramp check

If necessary, laboratory tests will determine the blood electrolytes and trace element content to assist diagnosis.

Diagnosis of leg cramps in pregnant women

Diagnosis was based on pregnancy history, complaints, clinical manifestations, and tests.

Cramps for pregnant women

When calf cramps occur, you can quickly press the Hegu acupoint on your hand (that is, the middle depression of the arm's mouth, the first metacarpal and the second metacarpal) and the middle acupoint on the upper lip (ie, just above the middle of the upper lip). After 20-30 seconds of pressing, the pain will be relieved, and its effective rate can reach 90%. If you use a hot towel to knead and massage with your hands, the effect will be better; or use the hand on the opposite side of the cramp leg, hold the toe of the cramp leg, and pull up with the palm of the same side on the knee of the cramp leg. Help your calf straighten.

Treatment for the cause.

Prevention of leg cramps in pregnant women

Avoid excessive fatigue of leg muscles; Walk without high heels; Massage your legs and feet before bedtime; Raise your legs up while sleeping; Be careful not to get cold in sleeping legs and feet; Eat more foods rich in calcium and vitamin B, and supplement calcium appropriately Vitamin D guarantees moderate outdoor activities.