Parents.com
| |  | |
Pregnancy Symptoms & Complaints: Leg Cramps
These sharp, lower-leg cramps crop up during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Find out what causes them and how to feel better.
Print- I Like This! (1)
Comments ( 4 )
If you've ever had a "charley horse," then you're already familiar with the kind of leg pain that many women encounter during pregnancy. No one is entirely sure why these sharp, lower-leg cramps crop up during the second and third trimesters; doctors theorize that it may have to do with the pressure of the uterus on certain nerves, fatigue, or decreased circulation in your legs from the pressure of the baby on blood vessels. In any case, you may be awakened with sudden painful spasms in your calf muscles (they most often occur at night). They aren't fun, but they're not usually cause for concern, either, unless they persist and are severe, in which case you should tell your healthcare provider.
Topics in My Pregnant Body
Comments Comments ( 4 ) Add your comment
Well, I'm in my sixth week of pregnancy and I've already had leg, hip, and thigh cramps! Is it normal to have these types of cramps so early in pregnancy? I'm still in my first trimester and this is my second pregnancy and I'm just wondering if it's normal because I didn't experience this when I was prego with my daughter four years ago...
2/13/2010 10:12:12 AM Report AbuseOh my God. These leg cramps are killing me. This is my first pregnancy and this is worse than the morning sickness. I've been getting them almost every nite for the past week. At work all I do is stand for 5 hours and I only get a 1o min. break. I dont know what to do. Do I take time off? Do I request more break times?? They hurt and my calfs are sore for a day or two after. this sucks. :(
11/14/2009 08:57:53 PM Report AbuseFor the last 2 weeks ive been in tears due to the fact that my legs have never hurt so horribly in my life.This is my 3rd pregnancy and the1st time ive ever had this problem.I do not stand for long time periods,and im not swollen.All i can do is lie on the coach with 3 pillows under legs and moan.NOTHING GETS RID OF THEM......please email me @ v.nika18@yahoo.com with any advice, im absolutely desperate...H>E>L>P
10/27/2009 01:51:31 PM Report Abusedrinking lots of water and an occasional sports drink helps keep leg cramps down. a loss of electrolytes and mild dehydration is the biggest contributing factors of muscle cramps in the legs at night. So stay hydrated!
10/20/2009 06:05:20 PM Report Abuse