Cramps during pregnancy: why cramps in the legs, including at night, reasons, what to do

Why do cramps occur during pregnancy and how to get rid of them?

Cramps are an unpleasant phenomenon in itself. During pregnancy, they often bother a woman. But you should know that this is not the normal state of the pregnant body, but a signal that it is missing something.

What are cramps?

Cramps are voluntary muscle contractions. In this case, the person feels severe cramping pain in the lower leg and foot. In rare cases, other muscles of the legs, arms, and neck may also spasm. During a cramp, the toe is pulled out, as if a person, imitating a ballerina, wants to stand on his toes. In pregnant women, calf cramps occur mainly at night (while falling asleep) or in the morning (at the time of awakening). Typically, cramps are most pronounced in mid-pregnancy, when the fetus is actively developing and its needs are growing.

Why do cramps occur during pregnancy?

Doctors consider the main provoking factor in the appearance of the problem to be a deficiency of vitamins and minerals necessary for the body. These are microelements such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and others.

Pregnancy is often accompanied by toxicosis. This phenomenon is especially common in the first trimester. Due to lack of appetite and frequent vomiting, a woman’s body does not receive enough necessary components, which causes convulsions.

Answering the question of why spasms in the leg muscles occur at night during pregnancy, the following reasons should be highlighted:

Reduced blood sugar levels

women. Glucose is the main energy source for our body. If the nutritional rules are not followed and there is a lack of appetite in pregnant women, its level can decrease significantly, which provokes the occurrence of seizures.
Another common cause of the problem is the consumption of alcoholic drinks and drinks containing large amounts of caffeine (strong tea, coffee). Caffeine is known for its ability to dehydrate human muscles. Against the background of this process, seizures may develop.
Another fairly common cause is the use of diuretics. Your doctor may prescribe such medications to prevent severe swelling of your legs. Diuretic substances help remove from the body not only excess fluid, but also beneficial microelements.
Convulsive syndrome can also be caused by a problem such as varicose veins in the legs. Against the background of this disease, pregnant women often experience cramps in their calves. There is also a symptom such as excessive fatigue and heaviness in the legs.
When lying on your back, leg cramps may occur due to pressure from the growing uterus on the vena cava. As a result, normal blood flow is disrupted, which causes involuntary muscle contraction.

The causes of cramps at night are very diverse. Regardless of their origin, it is very important to report them to your doctor. A specialist will help you choose a treatment to eliminate this symptom.

Causes of cramps during pregnancy

The main cause of seizures in pregnant women is recognized to be a lack of microelements (primarily potassium, calcium and magnesium) and vitamins (in particular vitamin B) in the body. If in the first trimester of pregnancy their deficiency occurs as a result of toxicosis, accompanied by vomiting and loss of appetite, then in the second and third, as we have already said, due to the increased needs of the growing child.

In addition, smoking and drinking large amounts of caffeine-containing drinks, including strong tea, contribute to the development of seizures.

Decreased blood glucose levels can also lead to seizures. This is one of the reasons why pregnant women are recommended to eat split meals, during which the body maintains the glucose level required by the body. Frequently recurring cramps in expectant mothers can occur with severe anemia.

In the last trimester of pregnancy, the causes of calf cramps can be not only a lack of vitamins and microelements, but also varicose veins. Diseased veins of the lower extremities are not able to cope with the increased load, blood begins to stagnate in them, and swelling appears. Impaired blood circulation makes it difficult to nourish the muscle: nutrients do not enter in the required quantities, and the metabolic product is not completely eliminated. All this serves as a favorable background for the development of seizures.

“Inferior vena cava syndrome” also contributes to the occurrence of cramps in the leg muscles. In this case, being in a supine position, the woman’s uterus compresses the inferior vena cava. This leads to weak venous outflow, and, consequently, to calf cramps.

Incorrect use of diuretics (to relieve swelling) can provoke the effect of leaching of minerals, which also causes muscle cramps.

Why do they arise?

The reasons why leg cramps occur during pregnancy include:

Lack of microelements. During the period of bearing a child, much more is required. A woman needs to provide them not only for herself, but also for the baby.
Constant vomiting. Thus, a woman loses a large amount of microelements, which she does not have time to replenish.
Unbalanced diet. By giving preference to a certain type of product, a woman does not receive the unique substances found in others. Thus, refusing fermented milk products, she can provoke calcium deficiency.
Drinking coffee and strong tea. Pregnant women often drink these drinks to stabilize their blood pressure. They not only provide a weak diuretic effect, but also stimulate muscle fibers. As a result, reflexive tension in the legs is possible.
Uncontrolled use of diuretics. Sometimes expectant mothers may resort to such drugs to relieve swelling. These products not only remove water from the body, but also minerals dissolved in it.
Decreased hemoglobin. A blood test will help determine the presence of anemia. This disease may be accompanied by dizziness, fatigue, hair loss, and in rare cases, fainting. Eating pistachios, liver, spinach, buckwheat, and nuts will help increase hemoglobin.
Phlebeurysm. In this case, cramps will be combined with rapid fatigue and heaviness in the legs. In the third trimester, swelling is noticeable due to blood stagnation. This is explained by an increase in the load on the legs.

Often, cramps occur due to a lack of potassium, calcium, magnesium and vitamin B6.
It is also explained why pregnant women have cramps in the calves due to an increase in blood circulation, difficulty in venous outflow, prolonged stay in one position, and disturbances in water-electrolyte balance.

During pregnancy, the immune system weakens and chronic diseases appear.

Gestational diabetes mellitus can cause sudden contractions in the legs at night. Due to hormonal changes, the pancreas begins to produce more insulin than necessary.

Symptoms of this pathology are: increased thirst, sweet taste in the mouth and reflex muscle contractions.

Sometimes their appearance is influenced by inferior vena cava syndrome. When a woman lies on her back or side, the uterus begins to compress this vein, which causes leg cramps in pregnant women.

A compressed vessel leads to disruption of venous outflow from the legs.

This phenomenon is mainly observed in the third trimester.

To avoid this, the expectant mother should sleep on her left side or place a small pillow under her right buttock.

First aid for cramps during pregnancy

If convulsions occur, you must ask others for help. In principle, it is quite possible to do everything yourself. To do this, it is recommended to pull the muscle in which the spasm has developed. Don't panic: breathe calmly and deeply. If the cramp occurs in the calf muscle, pull your toes toward you. Repeat several times until the pain subsides. It is necessary to massage the muscle, thereby warming it up and restoring blood circulation. You can pinch the calf muscle or prick it with a sharp object (without violating the integrity of the skin, of course). When you feel better, lie down with your legs elevated. This will ensure blood flow and help avoid recurrent seizures.

Causes of cramps during pregnancy

Answering the question of why spasms in the leg muscles occur at night during pregnancy, the following reasons should be highlighted:

Decreased blood sugar levels in a woman. Glucose is the main energy source for our body. If the nutritional rules are not followed and there is a lack of appetite in pregnant women, its level can decrease significantly, which provokes the occurrence of seizures.
Another common cause of the problem is the consumption of alcoholic drinks and drinks containing large amounts of caffeine (strong tea, coffee). Caffeine is known for its ability to dehydrate human muscles. Against the background of this process, seizures may develop.
Another fairly common cause is the use of diuretics. Your doctor may prescribe such medications to prevent severe swelling of your legs. Diuretic substances help remove from the body not only excess fluid, but also beneficial microelements.
Convulsive syndrome can also be caused by a problem such as varicose veins in the legs. Against the background of this disease, pregnant women often experience cramps in their calves. There is also a symptom such as excessive fatigue and heaviness in the legs.
When lying on your back, leg cramps may occur due to pressure from the growing uterus on the vena cava. As a result, normal blood flow is disrupted, which causes involuntary muscle contraction.

If convulsions occur, you must ask others for help. In principle, it is quite possible to do everything yourself. To do this, it is recommended to pull the muscle in which the spasm has developed. Don't panic: breathe calmly and deeply. If the cramp occurs in the calf muscle, pull your toes toward you.

Repeat several times until the pain subsides. It is necessary to massage the muscle, thereby warming it up and restoring blood circulation. You can pinch the calf muscle or prick it with a sharp object (without violating the integrity of the skin, of course). When you feel better, lie down with your legs elevated. This will ensure blood flow and help avoid recurrent seizures.

Keep in mind that cramps due to lack of substances are no joke. For example, magnesium deficiency affects not only the appearance of cramps, but also pain in the lower back, increased tone of the uterus, and sometimes miscarriage occurs against this background.

1. Lack of microelements such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, as well as vitamin B6, caused by:

firstly, severe toxicosis, in which the body loses many trace elements through vomit (usually in the early stages);
secondly, an increase in the needs of the developing fetus (this is especially pronounced in the middle of pregnancy);
thirdly, uncontrolled use of diuretics;
fourthly, an unbalanced diet, in which a woman’s body receives too few of the substances she needs.

2. Decrease in the amount of hemoglobin (severe anemia).

3. Impaired blood sugar levels, which can occur due to a lack of diet, when a pregnant woman eats rarely and in large portions, or leans too much on sweets.

4. Varicose veins, especially if there is increased stress on the legs.

5. Drinking drinks containing caffeine, which provokes muscle dehydration and tension, leading to the development of cramps.

6. “Inferior vena cava compression syndrome”, in which the enlarged uterus presses on the inferior vena cava and causes a violation of the venous outflow from the legs. In this case, cramps begin to torment the pregnant woman, usually in the third trimester, when she lies on her back or right side.

7. Various diseases and complications of pregnancy.

If a seizure occurs, experts recommend doing the following:

Try to slowly and carefully, but at the same time quite firmly, pull the toes of the leg in which the muscle has contracted towards you. After this, also slowly relax your leg, and then stretch again.
After the cramp goes away, lightly massage the muscle, warming it up. You can also use mustard plaster, a heating pad or hot water to warm the muscle.
To restore blood circulation, you can walk around the room a little.
To avoid recurrence of cramps, lie down with your legs slightly elevated, using a pillow or folded blanket.

Cramps are only a symptom of certain disorders in the body, so if they appear, you should immediately consult your doctor, who can find out the cause of painful muscle contractions and prescribe treatment.

If the reason is a lack of microelements and vitamins, then treatment will be reduced to a review of the diet and supplementing it with necessary products. In some cases, the doctor may prescribe a vitamin-mineral complex.

By the way, in any case, a pregnant woman’s diet should include the following products: cereals (buckwheat and oatmeal), wholemeal bread and pasta, fermented milk products, hard cheeses, fish, lean meat, fresh and dry vegetables and fruits , as well as nuts in small quantities. To maintain normal blood sugar levels, you should eat small meals often.

In order not to provoke leg cramps, it is important to adhere to the following recommendations:

wear comfortable shoes with a stable heel that does not exceed 5 cm;
for varicose veins, wear special tights and stockings (your doctor will help you choose the ones that are right for you);
starting from the third trimester, try to lie on your left side or place a small pillow under your right buttock to prevent manifestations of “inferior vena cava syndrome”;
try to avoid heavy loads on your legs, and if you have to stand for a long time, do unloading exercises that help restore blood circulation in the calf muscles (for example, rise on your toes and lower your feet several times);
rest with your legs slightly elevated;
Take relaxing warm foot baths before bed, using, for example, sea salt.

We suggest you familiarize yourself with the causes of swelling above the knee in front

Causes of cramps in pregnant women

There is a group of diseases for which seizures are one of the symptoms, appearing during pregnancy. They are associated with metabolic disorders. Fortunately, they are found relatively rarely. More often the reasons are more prosaic.

Lack of microelements.
Decreased hemoglobin.
Changes in blood glucose levels.
Dehydration.
High or low muscle load.
Phlebeurysm.
Compression of the inferior vena cava.

Muscle tissue is forced to contract sharply when the ionic balance of the cell and pericellular fluid is disrupted. The leading role belongs to specific substances. Not only during pregnancy, their deficiency leads to cramps.

The main reason is a lack of certain microelements in the blood

Lack of these microelements in the blood is the main cause of nighttime muscle contractions. Here is a list of them according to the prevalence of manifestations:

magnesium - its deficiency is manifested by muscle pain, changes in blood pressure, irritability, insomnia, numbness, decreased body temperature; a particular danger lies in the possible increase in uterine tone;
potassium - a decrease in its amount affects depression, increased fatigue, cramps during pregnancy at night, dehydration, constipation;
calcium - if there is not enough of it, teeth and gums are destroyed, blood pressure rises, nervous disorders appear, nails become brittle, and eczema may develop.

Various conditions can cause changes in the content of microelements:

severe toxicosis - not only does the body lose useful substances when vomiting, the lack of appetite leads to the inability to replenish them, which is why during pregnancy the leg often cramps;
unauthorized use of diuretics - along with the liquid, they remove essential microelements;
poor nutrition – everything is important, from the wrong combination of foods to the food intake.

The lack of nutrients has a particularly strong effect during pregnancy due to the increased need for them, which causes leg cramps.

The same reasons lead to a decrease in hemoglobin and glucose in the blood. Sugar levels directly depend on diet, provided there are no other diseases. If you eat a lot once or twice a day, this indicator will constantly change, causing many unpleasant consequences.

It's not just lack of drinking that leads to dehydration. Water is actively removed from the body under the influence of caffeine and nicotine.

The causes of exercise-related leg cramps during pregnancy are usually easy to determine by the nature of the woman’s work. The need to stand or walk all the time, as well as prolonged work in a sitting position, can have an effect.

Appearances due to excessive work

The last reason - compression of the vena cava - is associated with an enlarged uterus. This vein is located underneath it; a certain position of the body leads to a disruption in the outflow of blood.

There is a certain dependence of the frequency of causes of seizures during pregnancy on its duration. The lack of substances manifests itself in the middle, since this is when the fetus is actively growing. In the first months it is often associated with toxicosis and poor nutrition.

Increased load, varicose veins, and compression of the vena cava are more common in recent months. This is due to the woman’s increased body weight.

Methods of helping a woman

Be sure to tell your doctor if you experience cramps in the calf or other muscles during pregnancy. Even if this is not a manifestation of a serious illness, any cause is fraught with consequences. Based on the nature of the accompanying symptoms, blood tests, and additional studies, the doctor will determine the exact cause. This is the main condition for successful treatment.

But you need to know what to do if you experience cramps during pregnancy. They appear more often at night, when the doctor is not around, and cause severe pain. There are proven and absolutely safe remedies that relieve pain in just a few seconds or even prevent it altogether.

Many people find brine, for example, from a jar of cucumbers, helpful. Just one or two sips quickly cause muscle relaxation.

If leg cramps occur at night during pregnancy, you can keep a bar of soap in bed. Doctors cannot yet explain the effect of a remedy tested by many people. But glycerin, which is one of the ingredients in soap, has been found to help. Therefore, you can buy a bottle and lubricate your feet with a few drops at night.

Glycerin to the rescue

The lingering pain can be relieved by simple and completely safe actions:

stand on the cold floor with your entire foot;
place your straight leg against the wall so that your leg is perpendicular to your body;
pull the big toe towards you, you need to do this even through pain, you can do it with your hand, belt, towel, sheet;
a risky but helpful remedy for many is to prick the muscle with a needle;
massage, rub, scratch the muscle;
apply a hot heating pad, a bottle of water, and pour it from the shower.

Cramps during pregnancy

Almost every second woman during pregnancy complained of pain in her legs. Some have cramped toes, some have pulled calves, and some suffer from cramps. Unpleasant and painful sensations prevent sleep, and sometimes force a woman to wake up in the middle of the night. Despite the relevance of this problem, the causes of seizures during pregnancy are still not entirely clear. Experts put forward different assumptions and find patterns. Treatment methods depend on which theory is traced in a particular case. From this article you will learn what causes of seizures have been identified so far, and what treatment methods exist.

Cramps in the calves and feet begin to worry women in the second half of pregnancy. Sudden muscle contractions occur against a background of severe pain. Most often, the legs cramp in the evening and at night, when a woman goes to rest. The most common causes of such spasms are given below:

Cause

Calcium deficiency
What happens in the body
Calcium is a universal building material for the whole body. It is present in muscles, strengthens blood vessels, and takes part in metabolism. During pregnancy, calcium from the mother's body is used to form the fetal skeleton. A deficiency of this element can be one of the causes of seizures. Since magnesium helps absorb calcium, it is necessary to identify or eliminate its deficiency in the body.
What to do if you have a cramp
If there was no calcium deficiency before pregnancy, then it will be enough for the expectant mother to take multivitamins. In case of acute shortage of this element, additional intake of calcium preparations and products that contain it will be required. These are dairy and fermented milk products: natural yogurt, cottage cheese, cheese. Vitamin D is required for calcium absorption, so these drugs should be taken together. And we must not forget about the natural production of subcutaneous vitamin D under the influence of sunlight.

Cause
Magnesium deficiency
What happens in the body
Thanks to magnesium, all important energy processes occur in the body. It is responsible for neuromuscular transmission, namely, the contraction or relaxation of muscles. A lack of magnesium can be identified by symptoms such as arrhythmia, tension in the body, constipation, spasms and muscle cramps. For a woman, a lack of magnesium threatens severe premenstrual syndrome, high blood pressure, and during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage and early birth. The volume of blood in a pregnant woman's body increases by almost 1.5 liters. Therefore, the concentration of this element decreases. In addition, there is additional expense for the growing uterus and fetus.
What to do if you have a cramp
Magnesium deficiency is corrected with medications and food. Seafood, fresh vegetables and fruits, and herbs are rich in magnesium. This element is absorbed more fully in the presence of vitamin B6. Therefore, drugs to fill the deficiency are already produced as a complex (Magne B6). Low physical activity reduces magnesium absorption. Conversely, with moderate activity, its penetration into body tissue increases.

Cause
Low blood sugar
What happens in the body
Thanks to glucose, our body produces sufficient energy. During pregnancy, the need for energy increases. The mother's body must provide for both itself and the growing fetus. Glucose is produced from food received by the body, or more precisely from carbohydrates. And if there is a long break between meals, then a glucose deficiency appears, which can be one of the reasons for the appearance of calf cramps at night.
What to do if you have a cramp
To avoid a drop in blood sugar levels, which enters the body with food, frequent meals are required. Products must contain complex carbohydrates. They are gradually broken down and supply the body with the necessary and constant supply of glucose. It must be remembered that the immediate intake of too much glucose (cakes, sweets), on the contrary, will cause contraction of the calf muscle.

Cause
Anemia
What happens in the body
Almost 30% of the world's population suffers from iron deficiency. Food does not allow you to receive and replenish the amount that is necessary for the normal functioning of the body. And during pregnancy, the need for iron almost doubles. Iron is part of hemoglobin and is responsible for the delivery of oxygen to tissues. If there is not enough of it, anemia develops. With oxygen starvation in the muscles, metabolic processes are disrupted, and as a result, cramps appear.
What to do if you have a cramp
It is not possible to replenish iron deficiency from food alone. It is necessary to take iron supplements and multivitamins. Vitamin C promotes better absorption of iron by our body. Therefore, along with taking iron supplements, you need to introduce rosehip infusions, citrus fruits, and berries into your diet. But some foods, on the contrary, slow down or block the absorption of iron (dairy products, cereals, tea and coffee). Therefore, there should be a long period of time between taking iron supplements and such products. If treatment for anemia is not required, you can limit yourself to preventive measures. It will be enough to take multivitamin complexes and iron-containing foods (pomegranates, liver, meat).

Cause
Varicose veins
What happens in the body
If a woman already suffered from varicose veins before pregnancy, then the likelihood of calf cramps is very high. Due to the increased blood volume, the blood vessels dilate. The growing uterus puts pressure on the veins, causing stagnation of blood in the legs and disruption of metabolic processes. The woman's weight also increases. The load on the legs increases. In this case, the vessels affected by varicose veins cannot cope with their function, as a result the leg muscles can contract convulsively.
What to do if you have a cramp
In order for the leg muscles to receive the full amount of oxygen and necessary substances, it is necessary to restore impaired blood circulation. You need to move, choose comfortable shoes with low heels. If a woman works on her feet, regular rest is required. It is advisable that your legs are slightly raised; you can place them on a low chair. If the work is sedentary, and the vessels in the groin area are pinched for a long time, you need to get up at least once every 2 hours and stretch your legs, moving from toe to heel. For severe varicose veins, the doctor may recommend wearing special tights or stockings. He will also advise what degree of compression is suitable for your veins.
Read also: Is it possible to take Derinat during pregnancy in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd trimester? Derinat during pregnancy: instructions for use

Cause
Pressure on the inferior vena cava
What happens in the body
In this case, convulsive contractions are observed in the supine position, when the heavy uterus with the baby compresses the pelvic vessels. The outflow of blood from the extremities is hampered, metabolic products are not excreted, and oxygen enters in limited quantities. As a result, the legs cramp, or convulsive twitching of the legs appears. It is for this reason that most women complain of leg cramps at night.
What to do if you have a cramp
It is necessary to forget about the habit of lying on your back during pregnancy. Since the inferior vena cava runs to the right of the spine, it is best to sleep and rest on the left side. It is better to put something under your feet at night. A special pillow for pregnant women helps in this case. Some pillow shapes allow you to comfortably position the cushion between your legs. In this case, the leg is elevated, there is no compression of the vessels in the groin. If there is no special pillow, it is enough to place an ordinary sofa pillow or pillow under your knee. The effect will be the same.

The pain of a cramp can be so intense and long-lasting that you need to take action rather than just wait it out. The most effective way is to stand on your cramped leg, then walk around, stretch your muscles, improving blood circulation in the vessels. You can pull your sock. The leg should be straightened at the knee. But not every pregnant woman can afford to bend over like that. Therefore, you can simply straighten your legs and stretch your heel as much as possible, and pull your toes towards you. If someone close to you is nearby, you can ask him to do this muscle warm-up. When the pain goes away, you can massage your calves to improve blood circulation.

If cramps at night become regular, you need to take preventive action. A contrast shower on the legs, rubbing, and warm baths before bed will relieve congestion in the veins and saturate the muscles with oxygen. Physical activity, walking, especially before bed, and adequate rest will be the best preventive measures. Sometimes it is enough to simply keep your feet warm by wearing warm socks at night.

In the second half of pregnancy, swelling and discomfort in the legs appear in almost every woman. There may not be any seizures. But it happens that the calves of the legs pull, or the legs twitch and cannot find a comfortable position. This happens mainly at rest. This sensation is called restless legs syndrome. It is not possible to find out the exact causes of this syndrome. But experts believe that this condition occurs for the same reasons as seizures. Therefore, the same preventive measures are offered: foot massage, baths, foot pillows, physical activity, proper nutrition, regular intake of vitamins. And it is advisable not to drink tonic drinks at night, including strong tea and coffee.

Why do leg cramps occur during pregnancy and how to treat the disease?

Leg cramps during pregnancy in women are a common ailment. They usually occur at night or in the morning, but can also appear during the day.

Why do leg cramps occur? There are several reasons for calf cramps. The weakening of the vascular system in the lower extremities, caused by the pressure of the uterus on the vein, is important in the occurrence of the disease. Additionally, a growing belly deepens the curvature of the spine, which can put pressure on the nerves that run along the pelvis to the legs.

During pregnancy, an imbalance of minerals in the body occurs. Namely, with a lack of potassium, magnesium and calcium and an excess of phosphorus, leg cramps occur.

Why cramps in legs during pregnancy

This is necessary in order to eliminate the possibility of developing varicose veins. Indeed, during pregnancy, the outflow of venous blood from the lower extremities is disrupted: the growing uterus puts significant pressure on the pelvic vessels and can compress the inferior vena cava, ultimately provoking leg spasms. If a woman suffered from varicose veins before pregnancy, the situation becomes even worse. The cause of a situation where legs cramp during pregnancy can be incorrectly chosen casual clothing, which impedes blood circulation in the legs, and muscle fatigue after a long stay on the feet, walking, or constantly wearing heels. But still, in most cases, calf muscle cramps are associated with impaired metabolism of minerals in the body of the expectant mother, primarily calcium, potassium and magnesium.

It is known that during pregnancy a woman experiences double the load: the expectant mother’s body must provide all the nutrients not only to herself, but also to the unborn baby. Accordingly, the consumption of vitamins and minerals increases, and a pregnant woman does not always receive them in sufficient quantities using her usual diet. The baby uses “mother’s” calcium to build his bone skeleton, but normal metabolism of minerals is possible only if the minerals are present in the body in the required quantities. If any of them is missing, the exchange is disrupted, which irreversibly leads to certain consequences. And one of them is that a woman’s legs cramp during pregnancy.

Symptoms and signs of the disease

Cramps in the calves are a symptom that often appears during pregnancy, especially in the last 2 months. The cause of this disease may be obstructed blood flow in the legs, pressure from the uterus on the nerves, pelvic walls, or too low calcium levels or excess phosphorus in the body of a pregnant woman.

Cramps during pregnancy in the calves often appear at night, and they are so strong that they wake up the woman and make restful sleep impossible. The pain may persist for several hours. Long-lasting pain in the lower extremities may indicate the formation of a blood clot in a vein.

First aid for seizures

What to do if a problem occurs at night, and how is such an ailment treated?

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During pregnancy, a woman can help herself on her own or ask loved ones about it. If a painful muscle contraction develops, the following steps must be taken:

Don't panic, try to maintain even, calm breathing.
If a cramp cramps your calves, pull your toes toward you. Repeat this movement several times.
Get a massage if possible. It will help warm up the muscle, relieve pain, and improve blood circulation.
You can lightly pinch or prick the numb part of the body with a pin; this procedure will restore sensitivity to the tissues.
If involuntary muscle contractions are observed in the legs, place them slightly above the head, this will ensure blood flow.

Important! If cramps appear regularly, do not self-medicate under any circumstances. This can be extremely dangerous during such a delicate period. Report the problem to a specialist as soon as possible.

When to see a doctor?

Every cell in the body contains dissolved mineral salts that create electrolytes. Their level and concentration determines the proper functioning of the body and ensures the continuity of metabolic processes. A lack of electrolytes leads to disorders such as leg cramps. If leg cramps during pregnancy are so severe that they make everyday life difficult, interfere with restful sleep or cause pain, despite home treatments, do not subside and last for several days, you should consult a doctor. It may be necessary to prescribe appropriate vitamin preparations and microelements that eliminate this disease.

If pain persists for a long time, diagnosis of venous thrombosis is necessary. Confirmation of this disease requires prompt medical intervention.

In what cases should you consult a doctor?

You should consult a doctor at the first seizure. He will determine the cause based on clinical signs and prescribe appropriate treatment. Additional tests may be required for a reliable diagnosis. It is important to understand that cramps are a symptom of either a lack of nutrients or some serious disorder of the nervous system. A deficiency of vitamins and minerals can have the most dire consequences, ranging from delayed fetal development to spontaneous abortion. In rare cases, seizures can be the result of severe pathologies: brain damage, hypertensive crisis, infectious and somatic diseases.

Treatment used

Every person has probably experienced contractions of the calf muscle at least once, and everyone knows what an unpleasant, painful sensation it is. In pregnant women, such cramps in the calf and even thighs are much more common. This is due to the diet being too low in minerals and nutrients. Deficiency of calcium, potassium and magnesium can lead to the appearance of this disease. In turn, at the end of pregnancy, the growing uterus pinches the nerves of the pelvic area and puts pressure on large venous vessels, causing blood stagnation, which contributes to contraction of the leg muscles.

This is also facilitated by overwork, poor posture, and the use of diuretics. In order to avoid or mitigate this symptom, it is necessary to enrich the diet with calcium (milk and dairy products, especially kefir and cottage cheese) and magnesium (bananas, nuts, cocoa, almonds). B vitamins are important. If you find it difficult to properly balance your diet, you can take vitamin and mineral supplements containing magnesium, B vitamins), but it is best to consult your doctor. To replenish the deficiency of magnesium and calcium, it is recommended to drink mineral water, medium or highly mineralized. Magnesium and calcium from mineral water are absorbed by the body better than from food.

In addition, it will be useful to perform exercises several times a day that improve blood circulation in the legs - for example, walking on tiptoes, resting with raised legs, warm baths, massage. A warm bath and massage are recommended first before bed, because leg cramps in pregnant women most often occur at night.

To prevent calf contraction, avoid putting too much stress on your legs during pregnancy.

Avoid standing or sitting for too long, avoid crossing your legs, and do not sleep with your legs extended.

If you notice varicose veins, which often go hand in hand with muscle spasms, you can use compression tights. For sleep, it is best to lie down in a position with your legs slightly bent and a pillow between your knees. If cramping occurs, lift your legs straight and bend them several times. After the spasm has subsided, you can massage your leg.

Causes

Cramps are strong, painful muscle contractions. During pregnancy, this condition occurs mainly at night, after a short sleep. Attacks can also occur in the morning, especially in late gestation. After changing the position of the body, the painful sensations noticeably subside or stop completely.

Possible causes of night cramps:

Mineral metabolism disorders

While expecting a baby, a woman's need for some important microelements, including calcium, potassium and magnesium, increases significantly. A lack of these substances can cause cramps - painful muscle twitching. A similar problem often occurs in the early stages of pregnancy, in the midst of severe toxicosis. Constant vomiting leads to the leaching of beneficial microelements and vitamins, which provokes the appearance of cramps at night.

In late pregnancy, calcium and magnesium deficiency can be caused by improper nutrition. Night cramps are more likely to occur in women whose due date is in early spring. To prevent vitamin deficiency, all expectant mothers are recommended to take multivitamins designed specifically for pregnant women.

Anemia

Iron deficiency is another common cause of night cramps. Anemia develops mainly in the second half of pregnancy, when a woman’s body can no longer cope with the increased load. With severe anemia, metabolism is disrupted and the required amount of oxygen ceases to flow into the muscles. Convulsions develop, significantly complicating the life of the expectant mother. To treat anemia, iron supplements are prescribed in tablets or injections.

Varicose veins

More than 50% of all pregnant women experience manifestations of varicose veins. Hormonal changes that occur in anticipation of a baby lead to a decrease in the tone of the veins and provoke stagnation of blood in the vessels. In later stages, pressure from the growing uterus is added to the pelvic veins. There is pain in the legs, heaviness, swelling. At night, painful cramps of the calf muscles occur. It helps to cope with cramps by wearing compression garments and taking medications that increase the tone of the venous wall.

Inferior vena cava compression syndrome

The inferior sex vein, into which vessels from the lower extremities and pelvis flow, runs along the spine. In late pregnancy, when a woman is lying on her back, the enlarged uterus puts pressure on the wall of the vein. Shortness of breath occurs, heart rate increases, and calf muscle cramps occur. After 30 weeks, expectant mothers are recommended to sleep on their side with a comfortable pillow or bolster under their buttocks.

The role of minerals

Mineral water can contain a lot of useful substances, but the most valuable ones are those that are most necessary for the body. These include magnesium, calcium, sodium and iodine. These are the 4 main elements contained in mineral water; they are necessary for the normal course of pregnancy and determine the proper development of the fetus and child.

What is magnesium needed for? Magnesium takes part in more than half of the biochemical processes that occur in the body, and if it is lacking, then any function programmed with its participation is affected. This may be muscle spasms, and if this affects the contraction of the muscles of the uterus, miscarriage or early labor may occur. Even drinking too much coffee, which removes magnesium from the body, can cause this. Magnesium is actively involved in the structure of the cerebral cortex during fetal development, and its deficiency leads to a delay in the development of the unborn child. Thanks to magnesium, a child at birth does not suffer from lack of appetite, sleeps well, and its deficiency in a newborn can cause the so-called sudden infant death syndrome.

The second very important mineral is calcium, which is especially necessary for the developing organism in the womb. It is not only the main building material of the skeletal system, but also participates in the transmission of bioelectric impulses. Its deficiency causes osteoporosis, which manifests itself in later life as rickets. Often, women during pregnancy with a low calcium supply experience consequences in the form of caries and dental diseases. Calcium serves not only the development of a new organism, but also the correct course of metabolic processes in the mother’s body.

To avoid health problems associated with mineral deficiency during pregnancy, it is necessary to constantly replenish their supply in the body.

Convulsions in pregnant women: description and causes

Cramps are involuntary muscle contractions resulting from increased excitability of nerve cells. Neurons are activated independently or with minor influences. The mechanism of seizures is not fully understood, but their causes are well known and confirmed by numerous clinical studies, including in pregnant women.

In 90% of cases, the cause of seizures in the expectant mother is a lack of the following macroelements and vitamins in the body:

magnesium;
vitamin B6 (pyridoxine);
calcium;
vitamin D;
potassium.

In other cases, this painful symptom occurs as a result of:

development of venous insufficiency (varicose veins);
progressive anemia;
circulatory disorders due to swelling;
increased stress on the legs.

Most often during pregnancy, cramps occur in the calf muscles.
Most often, cramps affect the calf muscles. To a lesser extent - the muscles of the back, arms, and face. Cramps can last from several seconds to several minutes, and can occur from two to three times a day to several times a trimester. In most cases, they occur at night during sleep. If a pregnant woman feels tingling, numbness, heaviness, nervous tics and twitching in her muscles and toes by the end of the day, then there is a high probability of having a seizure attack during sleep.

Vitamin and mineral deficiency

As pregnancy progresses, the need for vitamins and minerals increases. When calculating the required norm, it is necessary to take into account the nutritional characteristics of the expectant mother, difficult climatic conditions and the environmental situation in the area of residence. It should be noted that the recommended daily intake of vitamins and minerals differs significantly for different regions.

Table: daily intake of vitamins and minerals for pregnant and non-pregnant women

Magnesium, mg	Calcium, mg	Potassium, mg	B6, mg	D, mcg	Iron, mg
Women of childbearing age and pregnant women (first half of pregnancy)	400	1000	2500	2	10	18
Pregnant women (second half of pregnancy)	450	1300	2500	2.3	12.5	33

In the first trimester, nutritional deficiencies may increase due to toxicosis, which is accompanied by vomiting and loss of appetite. In the second and third periods, there is a significant leap in the development of the fetus, so it is in the second half of pregnancy that convulsions in women are most often observed as a result of a lack of vitamins and minerals. Taking diuretics, alcohol, smoking, and caffeine negatively affect the body's absorption of nutrients. A deficiency of a particular element can be determined by clinical signs or laboratory spectral analysis.

Magnesium deficiency

Magnesium plays a critical role in the transmission of electrical impulses in nerve and muscle cells.
Doctors estimate that in seventy percent of cases, it is the lack of magnesium during pregnancy that leads to seizures. Magnesium is necessary for the following processes in the body:

metabolism;
transmission of nerve impulses;
muscle contraction;
stabilization of the nervous system.

Magnesium plays a critical role in regulating cell excitability. Deficiency of this macronutrient can be determined by the following clinical signs:

constant fatigue and fatigue;
increased irritability and anxiety;
nervous tics;
insomnia.

Vitamin B6 promotes the absorption of magnesium, while calcium, on the contrary, interferes with it. The best sources of magnesium are green vegetables, nuts, seeds, and unprocessed grains.

Thus, according to a study carried out under the auspices of the Russian Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the prevalence of magnesium deficiency in the population of pregnant women in the Russian Federation is 81%.
O.A. Gromova, O.A. Limanova
“Magnesium deficiency and muscle cramps in pregnant women: treatment options”

Calcium deficiency

Calcium is the main building material of the human skeletal system. In addition, the macroelement is involved in the transmission of nerve impulses, muscle contraction, regulates intercellular metabolism, and normalizes iron metabolism. Calcium deficiency can be identified by the following clinical signs:

constant irritability;
decreased skin elasticity;
tooth decay;
brittle nails and hair.

About eighty percent of calcium enters the body with dairy products, the rest - with grains, nuts, herbs, and legumes. If the calcium supplied with food is not enough, then the growing fetus takes it from the skeletal and muscle systems of the pregnant woman. The absorption of this macronutrient is facilitated by vitamin D. Lack of calcium is the second leading cause of cramps during pregnancy.

Dairy products are the main supplier of calcium to the body of a pregnant woman

Potassium deficiency

Potassium is one of the most important elements for cell functioning. The cells contain forty times more potassium than the intercellular space. Cell membrane potential and muscle contractions depend on the amount of this macroelement. Potassium is very easily excreted from the body with water, so its needs are highly dependent on climatic conditions and physical activity.

Potassium deficiency can be identified by the following clinical signs:

decreased blood pressure;
swelling;
constipation;
muscle weakness;
depression;
tachycardia;
frequent urination;
nausea, vomiting.

The main source of potassium are legumes. There is quite a lot of it in fish and dairy products. Vitamin D promotes potassium absorption.

Vitamin B6

Pyridoxine is not directly involved in the regulation of muscle contractions. But it plays a primary role in the absorption and retention of magnesium in cells. Vitamin B6 is found in large quantities in grains and nuts. In smaller ones - in meat, milk, eggs. About fifty percent of pyridoxine is lost during the preparation and processing of these foods. Vitamin B6 deficiency manifests itself in tingling of the tips of the fingers and toes, nervousness, muscle weakness, ulcers in the corners of the mouth, and depression.

Vitamin D (calciferol)

Vitamin D deficiency in a pregnant woman’s body is also an indirect cause of seizures in the second and third trimester. The main function of calciferol is to ensure the absorption of calcium and phosphorus from food in the small intestine. Calcium is produced in the human body under the influence of sunlight and comes from food. Vitamin D accumulated during summer days is gradually consumed in winter. The richest foods in calciferol are dairy products, eggs, and animal liver. Most Russian residents are at risk of insufficient consumption of this vitamin.

Some of the latest scientific studies have revealed a relationship between excess weight and a lack of calciferol. Vitamin D deficiency cannot always be detected in time by clinical signs. Its signs are as follows:

muscle pain, cramps;
joint pain;
decreased visual acuity;
insomnia.

Anemia

During pregnancy, the amount of blood in a woman’s body gradually increases up to one and a half times and reaches a maximum in the third trimester. Accordingly, the formation of hemoglobin requires more iron, the lack of which causes anemia. With the help of hemoglobin, oxygen is delivered to all organs and tissues. Due to a lack of iron in the body, muscle tissue develops oxygen starvation, causing pain and cramps.

Mild anemia is diagnosed when the hemoglobin level is below 110 g/l. To raise the latter, you need to consume red meat, liver, grains, vegetables and fruits. It is these food groups that are rich in iron. Vitamins A and C increase the ability to absorb iron several times.

Products that contain iron in large quantities should be included in a pregnant woman’s menu to prevent oxygen starvation of tissues, muscles and organs

Iron deficiency anemia is characterized by the following symptoms:

pale skin;
increased weakness;
dizziness;
nausea;
hair fragility;
disturbances of taste and smell.

Decreased glucose levels

During pregnancy, blood glucose levels often change dramatically. Glucose is a source of energy. A level below 2.5 mmol/l entails energy starvation of all muscles and organs. This condition is called hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia is characterized by the following symptoms:

chronic fatigue;
decreased concentration;
constant anxiety;
hunger.

With hypoglycemia, attacks of aggression may occur and sweating may increase. Glucose deficiency causes persistent tension in the muscles and, as a result, cramps.

Circulatory disorders

Pregnancy is characterized by severe swelling of the extremities. The vessels are compressed and the blood circulation process is disrupted. Also, with increasing pregnancy, the level of the hormone progesterone in a woman’s body increases, which reduces the tone of the venous vessels. As a result of such factors, the outflow of venous blood and lymph is disrupted. Stagnation occurs in the tissues, an imbalance of nutrients occurs, which causes muscle cramps. In most cases, the calf muscles are affected. Beginning varicose veins are usually manifested by a feeling of fatigue and heaviness in the legs, which intensifies towards the end of the day.

Disruption of the venous outflow of blood can occur due to inferior vena cava syndrome, when, when lying on the back or on the right side, the enlarged uterus puts pressure on this blood vessel. This syndrome usually appears from the 25th week. Eighty percent of pregnant women are susceptible to this syndrome to one degree or another. After just a few minutes of lying on her back, a woman may begin to experience dizziness, lack of air, and weakness. Inferior vena cava syndrome can cause cramping in the leg muscles. Therefore, in the later stages it is recommended to sleep on the left side.

To prevent compression of the vena cava, from the 25th week of pregnancy, it is recommended to sleep on the left side

Active lifestyle

Lack of physical activity, as well as overwork, contributes to leg disease.

Therefore, you need to find a middle ground.

Walking helps get rid of circulation problems in the legs, so you should go for a daily walk, do yoga or go to the pool.

Do stretching exercises for your calf muscles several times a day:

stand some distance from the wall, lean against it, bend your arms without lifting your legs off the floor, stay in this position for several tens of seconds, repeat the exercise;
stand on your toes and bend your knees, stay in this position for a few seconds, repeat the exercise.

Remember that it is not recommended to stand or sit in one position for a long time. If there is no way out, take frequent breaks, do simple exercises such as leg crunches and heel-to-toe movements. While sitting, do not cross your legs.

Features of late pregnancy

Late pregnancy includes the period from 27 to 40 weeks . Starting from the 27th week of pregnancy, the child already has real viability. In the case of premature birth, the baby has an 85% chance of survival. However, the fetus still needs a full 13 weeks to fully develop.

In the third trimester of pregnancy, the brain actively develops and the child’s skeletal and muscular systems are formed. The weight of the unborn baby increases. The mother's body is actively preparing for childbirth - the pelvic ligaments gradually begin to relax .

What else will help?

Cool your body. Above all, avoid overheating because heat lowers blood pressure, which contributes to leg disease. Wear clothes and shoes appropriate for the weather. Avoid hot baths. Instead, apply cold, damp towels to sore or tired feet or simply soak your feet in cool water.
Diet. It is very important what and how much you eat and drink. Therefore, hydrate your body - drink about 2 liters of fluid per day (water is recommended), this will thin the blood, which will facilitate its circulation. Limit your salt intake – it retains water in the body. To prevent calf cramps, choose foods rich in potassium, magnesium and calcium. Eat potassium-rich dried apricots and figs, bananas, avocados, potatoes and tomatoes, and various types of cereals. Magnesium can be found in bran, wheat germ, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, and nuts (almonds and hazelnuts). Milk and dairy products such as buttermilk, kefir, natural yogurt, and cheese are rich in calcium. It is also found in green vegetables (parsley, broccoli, etc.) and legume seeds (soybeans, peas, beans, etc.). Eat foods rich in vitamin C, which has a positive effect on the elasticity of veins - it is found in peppers, kiwi, and sauerkraut.
Appropriate socks and shoes. Choose comfortable shoes with a wide toe, flexible soles, and may have a small heel of 2-3 cm. It is not advisable to wear models with ankle straps or high heels. Ditch tight-fitting socks, knee socks, stockings or leggings. Socks with cuffs are comfortable. Choose underwear and clothing made from natural, ventilated materials. If you belong to a group of people at high risk of developing varicose veins, after consulting your doctor, you can purchase special elastic stockings that improve blood circulation and prevent vein thrombosis.
Shower and massage. Pressurized water will provide your feet with a wonderful massage. To stimulate blood circulation, you can alternately use hot and cold water. However, always end your shower with cold water. In addition, use a terry cloth glove or sponge to massage your calves; this will have a beneficial effect on their blood supply.
Weight control. Excess weight contributes to the appearance of leg problems in the form of swelling and varicose veins. Choose what you eat carefully. Avoid sweets and fast food. Try to maintain an optimal weight for your pre-pregnancy BMI.

If you experience swelling, varicose veins and leg cramps during pregnancy, consult your doctor to prescribe pharmacological treatment. Most likely, he will recommend treatment with drugs that improve blood circulation, in the form of creams with heparin or horse chestnut extract. He may prescribe a diet containing supplements containing calcium, potassium and magnesium.

Principles of treatment

Several methods are used to treat and prevent night cramps:

Physiotherapy

Therapeutic exercise is the best way to prevent the occurrence of painful cramps at night. You should exercise regularly, every day at approximately the same time. All exercises are done slowly, without tension, to the best of your ability and ability. If you feel unwell, you should stop training for a while.

Sample selection of exercises:

Sit comfortably with your back straight. Stretch your legs forward, pull your toes towards you. Return to the starting position.
Sitting with a straight back, pull your leg towards you, bending at the hip joint. Do a few lunges forward and backward. Help yourself with your hands if necessary. Repeat the exercise with the other leg.
Sitting on the floor, pull your bent leg inwards and make several circular movements in the hip joint. Repeat the exercise with the other leg. This warm-up not only helps you cope with cramps, but also prepares your hip joints for the upcoming birth.

Regular yoga or gymnastics classes in groups for expectant mothers will also help alleviate the condition. Swimming in the pool will be beneficial.

Massage

Cramps in the calf muscles can be relieved with self-massage. During an attack, clasp your shin with both hands and place your thumbs on the back of your leg. Massage the cramped muscle for at least one minute. After the pain subsides, massage your shin with light circular movements with your entire palm. If your legs cramp every night, preventative massage should be done 2-3 times during the day.

Diet

A balanced diet is an excellent prevention of vitamin deficiency during pregnancy. The expectant mother's diet must include foods rich in potassium, calcium and magnesium:

bananas;
dried apricots;
potatoes (in moderation);
legumes (if there are no digestive problems);
carrot;
spinach;
greenery;
milk;
dairy products;
cottage cheese.

Drug therapy for seizures during pregnancy is extremely rarely prescribed. In case of varicose veins, it is recommended to wear special compression garments that increase the tone of the venous wall. Until birth, you should avoid wearing tight, uncomfortable shoes (including high heels). Throughout the day, it is necessary to change your body position as often as possible so as not to provoke blood stagnation and the appearance of painful cramps at night.

The use of special pillows for pregnant women significantly reduces the likelihood of developing seizures. Such pillows are soft cushions from 1.5 to 2 m long. The pillow is placed under the legs or between the legs, under the lower back or buttocks. In this position, the calf muscles relax, and pain in the legs practically does not occur. Instead of special pillows, you can use a blanket folded several times, a regular pillow or a soft cushion.

Why cramps in legs during pregnancy - what to do, how and how to treat cramps?

Many expectant mothers are concerned about leg cramps during pregnancy. This condition is associated with a deficiency of nutrients, as well as with disorders of the peripheral nervous system. When carrying a child, temporary physiological changes occur in a woman’s body that affect the innervation and blood circulation of the legs.

Often, with various deviations, the listed changes have a negative effect on muscle tone, provoking spasms. Doctors pay special attention to leg cramps at night during pregnancy, which most often occur due to a lack of minerals and require careful monitoring by a gynecologist.

Sometimes expectant mothers mistakenly believe that leg cramps in pregnant women during sleep or in the morning are an independent disease. But this opinion is wrong. This condition is a sign of the presence of a disease, and muscle spasms are just a symptom. Therefore, if your arms and legs, fingers and toes are cramped, you should start looking for a chronic pathology.

Why pregnant women experience leg cramps - the main reasons are a deficiency of essential microelements: potassium, calcium, magnesium and iron. The listed substances regulate muscle tone and relaxation of myofibrils. Their deficiency occurs under the conditions listed below.

The following causes of leg cramps during pregnancy are distinguished:

Lack of microelements in the body - this cause of muscle cramps most often appears in the second trimester or in the later stages, when a deficiency of essential minerals develops due to the growth and development of the baby. Microelements are “pulled out” from the muscles, provoking cramps;
Vitamin deficiency - often the cause of the disease is elementary vitamin deficiencies, leading to disturbances in mineral metabolism and muscle metabolism;
Lack of water - during fetal development, dehydration often occurs, which leads to cramps in the legs. In this case, the peak of their appearance occurs in the second and third trimester of pregnancy, when the maximum jump in the growth of the unborn baby is noted;
Toxicosis of pregnancy is a complex pathological disorder, accompanied by numerous disorders of the digestive, circulatory and urinary systems. With pathology, metabolic disorders often occur, leading to leg cramps;
Varicose veins – muscle spasms can be caused by local circulatory disorders. With this disease, congestion occurs in the veins of the legs, which leads to impaired muscle trophism and the occurrence of local deficiency conditions;
Thrombosis - with this pathology, lack of blood circulation is formed due to blockage of the lumen of the veins, and sometimes arteries;
Enlargement of the uterus - during fetal growth, internal organs are displaced, which can compress blood vessels and nerves. Gradually, this leads to a decrease in the supply of important microelements to muscle cells and the development of cramps;
Increased load - during pregnancy, the fetus pulls the tummy down, which contributes to the redistribution of axial load on the spine, pinching of nerve trunks, overload of the calf muscles and foot;
Compression of the inferior vena cava - often the development of the disease is facilitated by difficulty in the outflow of blood from the legs. At first, the muscles receive a sufficient amount of nutrients, but due to an obstacle in the venous circle, oxygen starvation and muscle spasms gradually occur;
Bad habits - this reason is less common than others, since most mothers try to monitor their health. If you neglect your own body and the unborn child, nicotine or alcohol poisons enter the blood, settle in the muscles, and convulsions appear.

If you combine all the factors, you can understand the main reason for the development of spasms - damage to muscle cells. They are usually damaged by a deficiency of important microelements, malnutrition, or poisoning by toxins.

Why do legs cramp during pregnancy?

Carrying a child is associated with a number of problems for the body, which can arise for various reasons:

deficiency of some microelements;
decrease in hemoglobin and glucose volume;
water balance disturbance;
varicose veins (due to stress on the legs);
compression of veins

Women complain of discomfort and pain that accompany them when their calves cramp during pregnancy at night. This interferes with restful rest and normal sleep.

In the first trimester

In the initial stages of gestation, many expectant mothers experience toxicosis. At the same time, they feel sick, feel weak, and sometimes vomit, during which the body loses fluid and nutrients. A deficiency of magnesium, calcium, and potassium provokes convulsive muscle contractions, when your legs twist unbearably at night. A gynecologist, whom a woman should definitely visit, may recommend taking a vitamin-mineral complex.

The legs cramp due to a lack of glucose and hemoglobin, which also occurs due to toxicosis in a pregnant woman. The amount of sugar depends on how the patient eats and how many times a day. Due to malaise and nausea, it happens that a piece does not fit into the throat, and this is fraught with the onset of muscle spasms.

In the second trimester

Anemia can continue into the second trimester, causing cramps in the calves, accompanied by dizziness, fatigue, hair loss, and fainting.

During the active development of the fetus, the embryo takes all the most valuable things from the mother’s body. A woman must eat well to ensure normal growth of her child. If your legs cramp at night during pregnancy, this signals an unbalanced diet for the expectant mother, in particular, a lack of calcium in the body.

A woman who is addicted to diuretics is also susceptible to cramps in the calf muscles, since such drugs remove beneficial substances from the body.

In the third trimester

The last months of pregnancy are characterized by a strong increase in body weight, which puts pressure on the legs, and the expectant mother has difficulty coping with everyday worries and cannot walk for a long time. Tired legs swell, and at night during pregnancy your calves cramp. After convulsive attacks, the limbs still hurt the next day.

This may be due to kidney disease, which is under additional stress. When the water-electrolyte balance of the blood is disturbed, dehydration occurs, water and sodium are lost, which provokes convulsions.

The uterus puts pressure on the inferior vena cava, which interferes with normal blood circulation, and the muscles begin to contract convulsively.

A large fetus or multiple pregnancy can also be a cause for cramps; in this case, doctors recommend that a woman going to bed lie on her left side.

Associated symptoms

Convulsions rarely occur in isolation; usually the disease manifests itself with certain symptoms that develop into a specific clinical picture:

Pain is recorded at the peak of muscle contraction. The pain is aching, pulling and sharp, localized in the area of maximum muscle stiffness. Usually goes away with relaxation, sometimes burning discomfort remains;
Paresthesia is an unusual bursting feeling in the area of the feet, sometimes preceding pain or observed after it subsides;
A feeling of heaviness in the legs - observed in the evening or after a long walk. Often this symptom is a harbinger of an attack of seizures;
Pulse - its character depends on the cause of the spasms. If there is compression of the vessels, it will be weakened. Increased pulsation is observed with systemic pathology that causes the development of seizures.

Often the accompanying symptoms are complemented by the underlying disease, which provokes muscle spasms. If a woman suffers from varicose veins, she will experience damage to the veins, discoloration of the skin, weakness and malaise. With toxicosis of pregnancy, there is impaired renal function, the occurrence of edema, and the presence of systemic manifestations of the disease.

Why do pregnant women experience cramping in their legs?

The mechanism of muscle contraction is quite complex; different ions (charged particles) take part in it: potassium, calcium, sodium and magnesium. If we are talking about a cramp, that is, a condition when we cannot relax a muscle, then magnesium ions play a leading role. It is their deficiency that leads to women having cramps in their calves during pregnancy at night.

The lack of minerals in the body of the expectant mother can be explained simply: the restructuring of metabolism and functioning in the “double load” mode have such consequences. In particular, the expectant mother needs one and a half times more magnesium than usual.

In addition to helping muscles relax, magnesium is involved in a number of important physiological processes. In particular, magnesium is needed to regulate the processes of formation and expenditure of energy; it is involved in several hundred enzymatic reactions, and if there is little magnesium, then disturbances can occur in the functioning of almost any system of the body. Therefore, if magnesium supplements are prescribed during pregnancy, this recommendation should not be ignored.

First aid for seizures

What to do when your legs cramp during pregnancy - first you need to take immediate measures that will relieve muscle spasms and relax your legs. Here the decisive role is played by the fact where you were “caught” by the cramps:

If cramps appear while swimming, try to immobilize your leg, it is advisable to prick the numb area with a pin or needle;
If the disease appears while sleeping, sitting or lying down, relax your lower limb and perform a small massage until the pain stops.

Causes of leg cramps during pregnancy

The mechanism of pain and discomfort can be explained in a nutshell: cramping of the legs during pregnancy due to strong and sudden contraction of the muscle. Especially often, leg cramps in pregnant women occur during sleep, and the pain, alas, manifests itself in a more severe form than during wakefulness. The reasons for cramping in the legs of pregnant women are different.

A pregnant woman is practically two organisms, therefore she divides all the beneficial substances and vitamins that the mother receives in two. Cramps in the legs during pregnancy due to a lack of magnesium, potassium and calcium in the body. Therefore, if the body does not receive enough minerals, a metabolic imbalance occurs, and this is reflected in the relationship between nerves and muscles. The result is night cramps.
Also cramps in the legs during pregnancy due to varicose veins developing in the expectant mother. As a woman's weight increases, the pressure of the uterus on the vessels in the pelvis and legs increases. In this case, the outflow of blood in the veins is disrupted and convulsions appear.
Leg cramps during pregnancy if the expectant mother has developed flat feet or has thyroid disease.
Also, the cause of cramps can be uncomfortable or too narrow shoes, because of this, blood circulation is disrupted and when worn for a long time, the muscles get tired, and then cramps are quite expected.

Prevention

There is no specific prevention of seizures, since they are provoked by deficient conditions or impaired local circulation. But it is possible to create favorable conditions under which these disorders will disappear. To do this you will need to follow the following rules:

Follow a diet - eat foods rich in potassium, calcium and magnesium;
Wear comfortable shoes - sometimes to eliminate cramps it is enough to choose shoes or sneakers that do not squeeze or rub your feet;
Twice a week – do massage and gymnastics;
In your free time, try to stretch your legs, relaxing your muscles;
Try not to stand on your feet for a long time - this will make your muscles numb and increase the likelihood of developing cramps;
If you have problems with blood vessels, wear compression stockings.

Compliance with preventive measures will allow you to reduce the likelihood of developing muscle cramps, improve blood circulation in the legs, and improve health indicators.

Cramps during pregnancy most often appear due to a deficiency of potassium, calcium, magnesium and iron, which are spent on fetal development. To compensate for their deficiency, medications with appropriate microelements and strengthening procedures are prescribed. If muscle spasms are caused by neurological and vascular disorders, therapeutic exercises and massage come to the fore.

Treatment of seizures during pregnancy

Failure to adequately treat an unpleasant symptom can cause complications. The consequences of seizures can lead to a decrease in physical activity, which negatively affects the course of pregnancy. Treatment for calf muscle cramps includes diet, proper sleep, special exercises, massage and the use of folk remedies.

A healthy diet will help compensate for the lack of vitamins and microelements and prevent the occurrence of seizures. The following products are useful:

Lean fish, chicken and beef. They can be boiled or steamed;
Porridge - especially buckwheat and oatmeal;
Milk and fermented milk products;
Fresh vegetables, fruits, herbs;
Legumes and nuts.

Avoiding tonic drinks will help minimize the risk of leg cramps. This is black tea, coffee, cola, energy drink. If the lack of nutrients cannot be eliminated with the help of products, the expectant mother is prescribed multivitamin preparations.

Dietary food to eliminate seizures

Massage and gymnastics

Many women during pregnancy complain of swelling and fatigue in their legs. These symptoms are especially pronounced in the third trimester. Foot baths with sea or iodized salt will help relieve discomfort. It is recommended to do them at night, before going to bed. After the bath, you should perform a self-massage. It will relieve tension from the calf muscles, activate blood and lymph flow, and improve sleep.

The massage begins with the feet and gradually moves to the thighs. First, soft strokes are performed, then they alternate with rubbing, kneading and patting. This massage can be done 3-4 times a day.

After the massage, it’s good to lie down for 30-40 minutes, raising your legs higher. A large pillow or rolled-up blanket will do. You need to sleep on your left side.

Treatment methods for seizures during pregnancy

Gymnastics will help improve blood and lymph flow during pregnancy. Typically, expectant mothers are recommended the following set of exercises:

Slowly stand on your toes, hold for 3-5 seconds and carefully lower yourself onto your entire foot. Repeat 8-10 times;
Roll from toe to heel 10-15 times;
Lie on the mat, raise your legs and slowly perform circular movements with your feet. The “scissors” exercise or drawing geometric circles or letters in the air is also useful;
Bend and straighten your foot, squeezing your toes. Then pull your fingertips towards you.

These exercises will help stretch the calf muscle and reduce the likelihood of developing cramps.

Folk recipes

Recipes from traditional healers will help restore the balance of vitamins and microelements and normalize neural impulses. Such treatment methods are perfectly combined with vitamin complexes.

What are the dangers of night leg cramps during pregnancy: causes and treatment methods

Leg cramps during pregnancy are a common occurrence that worries many women. Limb spasms should be treated based on the cause of the disorder. Seizures should not be ignored, as they may indicate serious health problems.

While carrying a child, the female body is subjected to severe stress: the bladder, back, and legs suffer. Leg cramps occur frequently during pregnancy. There are several causes of spasms that cannot be ignored. After all, during this period a woman needs only pleasant sensations that contribute to a healthy pregnancy.

How to avoid cramps in late pregnancy?

In the third trimester of pregnancy, medications should not be used to relieve cramps. To alleviate the condition, the doctor monitoring the pregnancy may prescribe a multivitamin complex containing calcium, potassium and magnesium, foot massage and special shoes for pregnant women. Wearing compression hosiery helps to significantly improve the condition.

In the third trimester of pregnancy, it is recommended to use compression stockings or Intex tights. Elastic products help cope with swelling , restore blood circulation and relieve excess stress from the legs.

Please note that elastic products of compression class 2 put significant pressure on the legs, so before purchasing therapeutic underwear of this class, it is recommended to consult a doctor .

What causes spasms

Cramps are involuntary contractile movements of muscles that are accompanied by acute pain. During pregnancy, cramps affect the calf muscles, feet, legs, and toes. Often women complain of night cramps, which disappear after changing body position.

There are several causes of leg cramps at night during pregnancy:

Mineral deficiency. While carrying a child, a woman feels the need for many nutrients: calcium, magnesium, potassium. Lack of vitamins leads to sudden muscle twitching. Spasms usually bother expectant mothers in the first trimester of pregnancy and during toxicosis.
Iron-deficiency anemia. Iron deficiency may develop in the second trimester of pregnancy. This is due to the increased stress on the body. This condition leads to metabolic disorders, as a result of which the muscles do not receive the required oxygen concentration. Acute spasms occur, significantly worsening the woman’s condition.
Phlebeurysm. During gestation, a change in hormonal levels occurs, leading to stagnation and a decrease in vascular tone. The last months of pregnancy are accompanied by swelling and heaviness in the legs. At night this leads to cramps in the calf muscles.
Compression of the vena cava. In the last stages of pregnancy, the greatly enlarged uterus puts pressure on the inferior vein, which is accompanied by shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, and spasms.
Reduced glucose concentration , which is the main source of energy for a growing baby. Poor nutrition leads to this deviation.

Frequent consumption of strong tea, coffee, and smoking provoke involuntary muscle contractions.

With a lack of potassium, the functioning of the neuromuscular system is inhibited, since the element is responsible for redirecting signals to muscle fibers. Cramps in the calves are the main symptom of potassium deficiency . In addition to cramps that occur at night, the woman is worried about weakness, low blood pressure, and constipation.

Prevention of calf cramps in pregnant women

The main cause of seizures in pregnant women is recognized to be a lack of microelements (primarily potassium, calcium and magnesium) and vitamins (in particular vitamin B) in the body. If in the first trimester of pregnancy their deficiency occurs as a result of toxicosis, accompanied by vomiting and loss of appetite, then in the second and third, as we have already said, due to the increased needs of the growing child.

In addition, smoking and drinking large amounts of caffeine-containing drinks, including strong tea, contribute to the development of seizures.

Incorrect use of diuretics (to relieve swelling) can provoke the effect of leaching of minerals, which also causes muscle cramps.

Why pregnant women have cramping calves - the cause of discomfort is the accumulation of lactate (lactic acid) in the leg muscles, which leads to uncontrolled muscle contractions. Spasms are provoked by nerve impulses against the background of the accumulation of mineral salts.

The main causes of calf cramps in the legs during pregnancy:

Increased need for vitamins and nutrients. A deficiency of vitamins and microelements leads to the baby “taking” potassium, magnesium and calcium from the mother, which are necessary for the normal functioning of the CNS (Central Nervous System);
A constant increase in body weight provokes a shift in the fulcrum, which can lead to contractions of the calf muscles of the legs. This is due to increased load on the lower limbs;
Varicose veins are a common cause of cramps in the leg muscles during pregnancy. Disruption of blood flow, compression of the pelvic vein by the enlarged uterus causes swelling and cramps of the lower extremities;
Exacerbation of chronic pathologies existing in the mother - thrombosis, diabetes, neuralgia, flat feet;
A sharp drop in hemoglobin and glucose in the blood leads to the fact that the muscles do not receive enough nutrients and oxygen, which provokes spasm;
Abuse of caffeine-containing drinks - black tea, coffee, cola, energy drinks;
Treatment with diuretics, which flush out mineral salts and essential minerals;
Wearing narrow or unstable shoes for a long time causes overstrain of the calf muscles.

Causes of calf cramps during pregnancy
The appearance of night or daytime leg cramps greatly frightens the expectant mother. And excess stress during pregnancy can harm the baby. Therefore, prevention of muscle spasm is necessary for every woman.

To do this, doctors recommend moving more, walking in the fresh air, doing exercises for pregnant women, and, if possible, visiting the pool. Contrast showers (alternating warm and cool water), foot baths and massage are useful.

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If you experience leg cramps during pregnancy, do not panic. You need to visit a doctor, establish their cause and strictly follow the recommendations received. Self-massage, daily exercise and walks in the fresh air will strengthen your health and nervous system, and also minimize the risk of a recurrent attack. A balanced diet and vitamins for pregnant women will help avoid nutritional deficiencies.

Cramps are the result of strong and painful muscle contractions. This is an uncontrollable spasm that most often occurs a short period of time after falling asleep. There are several reasons why they occur in pregnant women. But the main one is the body’s lack of necessary nutrients, vitamins and minerals.

It is especially important to monitor nutrition starting from the second trimester, when the fetus is already of significant size and its intensive growth begins. By this time, pregnant women usually end up with toxicosis, which contributes to the active “washing out” of all microelements from the body, and the pregnant woman can eat properly.

Doctors identify the three most common causes:

mineral metabolism disorders

They arise as a result of toxicosis or unbalanced nutrition. Lack of potassium, calcium and magnesium affects the metabolism in the body. Magnesium deficiency occurs due to the fact that the body spends much more of it due to its active participation in the metabolic process. A lack of magnesium in pregnant women almost always provokes cramps.

Lack of calcium affects the absorption of magnesium and affects metabolism. The “washing out” of calcium from the body is facilitated by taking a number of medications and caffeine, which is found in large quantities in black tea and coffee. That is why pregnant women are advised to reduce their consumption. Eating cottage cheese, nuts, hard cheese, herbs, eggs and fish will help pregnant women compensate for the lack of calcium. Most of the calcium contained in the body goes to the formation of the child’s skeleton and tooth buds.

Potassium in the body is responsible for transmitting nerve impulses to muscle tissue. Its deficiency causes depression of the nervous system, and in addition to cramps in the calves, causes drowsiness, weakness, and decreased heartbeat. Low potassium levels in the body appear closer to the second trimester of pregnancy, and are especially noticeable in the last weeks before childbirth. The doctor prescribes potassium supplements to expectant mothers, and the diet should include dried apricots, seaweed, dried fruit compote, and baked potatoes.

Insufficient iron in the body usually occurs in women in the second trimester of pregnancy. The load on the body becomes greater, and it becomes more and more difficult for it to cope with it. Anemia leads to metabolic disorders, as a result of which the necessary amount of oxygen ceases to flow into the blood and the body as a whole.

The doctor prescribes the pregnant woman to take iron supplements in the form of tablets or injections, based on the result of a blood test. It is good to eat pomegranate, fresh beet juice, buckwheat porridge and other iron-containing foods.

phlebeurysm

This disease is widespread in pregnant women, and its consequences manifest themselves in the form of spider veins, the appearance of veins on the surface of the legs. Varicose veins are the result of increased hormonal activity of the body. It is because of the restructuring that occurs in the body during pregnancy that the tone of the veins decreases and stagnation of blood appears in the vessels.

As the fetus grows in later stages, the uterus expands and begins to put pressure on the veins located in the pelvis, which causes heaviness in the legs and swelling (especially in summer). Taking venotonic medications and wearing compression garments, which are selected individually, help reduce the load on the legs and reduce the likelihood of cramps.

We suggest you read: How to determine the presence of a blood clot in the leg

There are a number of other reasons that cause seizures, which do not happen very often, but expectant mothers need to know about them:

decrease in blood glucose (sugar). Glucose is the main source of energy used by the body during fetal growth. Due to its deficiency during pregnancy, seizures may occur;
consumption of drinks high in caffeine, nicotine. Caffeine causes dehydration in the muscles, which causes involuntary contractions in the form of cramps. Nicotine provokes a lack of oxygen, which affects muscle contractility and provokes spasms;
taking diuretics. When edema appears (which is especially important in the second half of pregnancy and in hot weather), doctors prescribe diuretics to expectant mothers. With the release of excess fluid from the body, microelements are also “washed out,” the lack of which provokes cramps;
pressure of the uterus on the inferior vena cava. The inferior vena cava runs along the spine and is connected to the vessels of the lower extremities and pelvis. In the later stages of pregnancy (about 30 weeks), in the “lying on your back” position, the significantly increased volume of the uterus compresses the wall of the vein. This causes shortness of breath, increased heart rate and causes spasms in the calf muscles. At this stage of pregnancy, for better health, you need to sleep only on your side and use special bolsters or pillows for pregnant women.

What to do if your legs cramp during pregnancy?

First, tell the doctor you are seeing about this. The already mentioned magnesium preparations, which he most likely recommends to you, can help solve the problem.

However, the reason that the expectant mother’s legs cramp during pregnancy may not only be due to metabolic disorders. Often muscle spasms begin as a result of varicose veins - a “faithful” companion of pregnancy. The veins of a woman carrying a baby are subject to increased stress. In addition, hormonal changes in the body seriously affect the condition of blood vessels. All this contributes to the development of varicose veins. And disruption of the blood supply to the leg muscles, in turn, leads to cramps.

If an expectant mother is faced with varicose veins, then the best way to prevent its progression is to wear compression stockings selected by a doctor in accordance with the stage of pregnancy. You should also give birth in stockings in order to avoid worsening their condition during particularly intense stress on the veins.

It is important to remember that any discomfort in the well-being of a pregnant woman must be discussed with the doctor who is seeing the expectant mother. Even if your legs cramp infrequently, what to do during pregnancy should be determined by a specialist. This is the only way to avoid serious problems and ensure the health and comfort of both mother and child.

First aid for severe cramps

Cramps begin suddenly and require immediate intervention, because the pain can be simply unbearable. Therefore, every pregnant woman should know how to relax muscles and relieve pain.

Step 1. Pull your cramped leg towards you, very and very slowly, and then try to relax it. You can also walk around the room. In this case, you need to rest your whole body on the injured limb.

Step 2: Once the cramp has subsided, lightly massage your leg.

Step 3. Warm the affected muscles with mustard plaster, a heating pad, put your foot in a basin of hot water or simply place it under running water.

Preventing seizures during pregnancy

Cramping legs during pregnancy? Simple manipulations will help you get rid of this problem forever:

When you go to bed, place a pillow or folded blanket under your feet.
Try to avoid putting heavy stress on your legs. If, due to your duty, you have to stand still for a long time, from time to time do an exercise to restore blood circulation: rise on your toes and lower yourself onto your entire foot. And so on several times.
Before going to bed, take a sea salt bath and a relaxing foot massage. It should be done with light movements, stroking the skin in the direction from the foot to the hips.
Move more, lead an active lifestyle, walk in the fresh air every day.
Don't overwork yourself.
After an evening bath or shower, thoroughly rub your calves with a hard towel.
Do morning exercises, go to the pool, do exercises for pregnant women and general strengthening exercises.
Don't forget about acupressure. This is a good remedy for cramps in the calf muscles. Do it as follows:
Grasp the shin with both hands approximately in the middle. The thumbs should be on the back of the shin. This is exactly what you need to massage your leg with, gradually increasing the pressure.
Place your index finger on the point located between the nose and upper lip. Push her as hard as you can.

The entire massage takes no more than two minutes. For women who have cramps several times a day, this procedure should be repeated at least three times a day throughout the week.

Why do seizures occur?

If this is not a manifestation of some serious physical illness (which can only be detected during a medical examination), then most often convulsive manifestations are a consequence of an imbalance in the content of microelements. Toxicosis with vomiting, lack of appetite in the first weeks and months of pregnancy sometimes lead to such a decrease in the concentration of a number of important substances in the blood. At later stages, the growing baby’s need for the same vitamins, microelements, and other components necessary for his development increases significantly.

Practice shows that frequent sources of calf muscle cramps are a lack of potassium, magnesium, calcium and sodium in the body, as well as an excess of phosphates and sodium in the blood.

Another likely reason: a deficiency of vitamin B in the diet of the expectant mother. Or food intake is carried out in fits and starts; therefore, large portions are rarely consumed at a time. And this is fraught with sharp jumps in the concentration of glucose in the blood. Immediately after a hearty meal, this level goes through the roof, and at night and in the morning, after a long break, a sharp drop is felt, hence this unpleasant symptom: cramps in the legs during pregnancy at night and in the morning.

Varicose veins add to the problem, which worsens with the growth of the fetus and its pressure on the pelvic veins. They cannot cope with the circulation of venous blood, stagnation occurs, swelling appears, which together provokes new convulsions. Yes, and muscle nutrition when blood circulation is impaired worsens, leaving its mark. Smoking, as well as an addiction to strong tea and coffee, also contribute. This is also a difficult test for the body in “secular” life, and during pregnancy it simply becomes a dangerous factor for the fetus. And these harmful substances also “help” to reduce calves.

Methods of treatment and symptom relief

When the attack is over, it is still better to consult a doctor to identify the underlying causes of the seizures and begin treatment. If the problem is a lack of, say, calcium, then the specialist will prescribe the drugs. If the main cause is varicose veins, then you will have to pay close attention to it. In addition to medications (strictly on the doctor’s recommendation!), special (anti-varicose) stockings and tights have a good effect in this case.

But, having identified why your legs cramp during pregnancy, it would be good to engage in symptomatic treatment, which is useful for any source of discomfort. For example, do a foot massage using balls with pimples, massage mats or improvised means. For example, spread the buttons on a small rug and walk on these “pebbles”, like on a pebble beach in the summer. Two or three short, 5-10-minute “walks” per day are enough.

Baths with sea salt (warm, not hot) are also very useful, and if you do them in the evening, they will contribute to a restful sleep. It would be good to sleep with your legs slightly elevated, placing a small pillow or cushion of linen under your heels. Or at least lie in this state for ten minutes during the day, and also gently massage your calf muscles.