Contents:
- Medical Video: Massage for Muscle Spasms & Cramps
- What can I do to prevent leg cramps?
- How do you get rid of leg cramps?
Medical Video: Massage for Muscle Spasms & Cramps
Possibly, cramps occur due to a combination of several things that cause the leg muscles to tighten and cramp. Cramps usually appear during the second and third trimesters of your pregnancy.
Your muscles hold the weight of your baby so that you experience pressure. The development of the uterus can put pressure on your leg's blood vessels. This is combined with the effect of the hormone progesterone, causing the muscles to tighten at your feet.
Foot cramps can occur if you have a lack of nutrients and salt, such as calcium or magnesium, in the blood. This deficiency is caused by your baby taking the substances he needs from your body. You can take pregnancy supplements containing magnesium. Some evidence shows that magnesium can relieve cramps. Ask your doctor about how to safely take supplements.
What can I do to prevent leg cramps?
You can practice the following movements during the day to avoid cramps during sleep:
- Calf stretch. Stand 1 meter from the wall and lean forward to lean your hands against the wall. Keep your feet flat on the floor. Hold for 5 seconds. Repeat for 5 minutes 3 times a day, especially before going to bed.
- Leg training. Bend and stretch your legs up and down 30 times. Change feet 8 times for each direction.
Try not to stand or sit with your legs crossed for a long time.
At night:
- Taking a bath with warm water before bed. Let your feet move freely when you sleep. If your movements during sleep are limited and you must be in the same position overnight, this can make cramping worse.
- Raise your feet at night. Put your feet on the pillow or raise your foot a few centimeters, no more than 20 cm.
How do you get rid of leg cramps?
If you wake up due to cramps, immediately stretch the muscles. Straighten your legs, heels first, then flex your ankles and then your toes. You will feel pain at first, but cramps will slowly disappear. If this method doesn't work, get up and walk for a few minutes.
If muscle pain is constant and continues to occur, or if you feel there is swelling or pain in the legs, contact your doctor. In rare cases, 1 in 2000 pregnant women can experience blood clots that clog arteries in the legs (venous thromboembolism) If this happens, immediate help is needed.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
