Pregnancy Leg Cramps.... - Fresno,CA

I don't know the reasons behind this but my dad swears by ginger ale & gelatin (not together!) He's prone to leg cramps & someone told him those 2 would help.He just consumes one serving of each a day & says its helped him...

Good luck!

Very few of us on this site are medical (myself included), so while we try to provide helpful information, please verify with your physician.

I had an issue with cramping in one of my legs late in my pregnancy and had to be monitored for a possible DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) - a blood clot that can be fatal. It was not, but it was a rough overnight while waiting for the cramp to go away.

Call your OB's office and ask what they say. It could be something as simple as dehydration or more complicated requiring a discussion with a nurse.

The potassium in bananas is good for counteracting lactic acid build-up. A simple Google search didn't pull-up any credible medical sites, but most unanimously agreed that the cause of leg cramps isn't fully understood making treatment more difficult. Exercise and hydration seemed to be most popular.

Good luck!

This is what I've found:

Most leg cramps are caused from the fatigue of carrying around extra weight that is put on while you are pregnant. As you gain more weight, your leg cramps may increase. Cramps can also be aggravated by the expanding uterus putting pressure on blood vessels that return blood from your legs to your heart and the nerves leading to your legs.

There is some speculation that too little calcium and potassium, or too much phosphorus can cause leg cramps. There are no good studies that support these theories at this time. However, it is a good idea to increase your calcium intake during your pregnancy and to avoid phosphorus (found in processed meat, snack foods and soda), which will combat any problems that a lack of calcium could cause. Phosphorus has the same effect as not getting enough calcium because it can prevent your body from absorbing the calcium you do ingest.

An excess of potassium is equally likely to spell trouble. Unless your doctor gives you the go ahead, you would be better off really just reaching for another cantaloupe slice, another banana, a handful more of strawberries, and adding a pinch of turmeric to many of your cooked meals.

What foods are high in potassium?
Aside from the aforementioned cantaloupe, potassium rich foods include:
Bananas
Oranges
Apricots
Avocado
Strawberries
Potatoes
Tomatoes
Cucumber
Cabbage
Cauliflower
Chard
Bell pepper
Eggplant
Squash
Crimini mushrooms
Brussels sprouts
Turmeric
Parsley
Spinach
Broccoli
Tuna
Halibut

Here is a list of some foods high in potassium and their potassium content from the USDA National Nutrient Database:
Potassium Rich Foods Weight Measure Potassium Content
Raw, baby carrots 10 1 medium 24 mg
Raw Lettuce 10 1 leaf 19 mg
Raw Onions 14 1 slice 20 mg
Fresh Strawberries 12 1 strawberry 18 mg
Raw Garlic 3 1 clove 12 mg
Honey 21 1 tablespoon 11 mg
Raw Radishes 4.5 1 radish 10 mg
Raw Peppers 10 1 ring 18 mg
White Bread 23 1 slice 17 mg
Lima Beans 188 1 cup 955 mg
Plantains 179 1 medium 893 mg
Jerusalem Artichokes 150 1 cup 644 mg
Bananas 118 1 banana 422 mg
Oat Bran 94 1 cup 532 mg
Tomatoes 255 1 cup 528 mg
Cucumber 301 1 large 442 mg
Cantaloupe 160 1 cup 427 mg
Pears 275 1 pear 333 mg
Mangoes 207 1 mango 323 mg

I had terrible leg cramps and restless leg syndrome during both my pregnancies. I took Magnesium supplements (not too much or you'll get the runs) and also made sure I was hydrated. To help prevent (not 100% but a bit) the night time cramps I made sure to stretch the major muscles of my legs before I went to sleep at night. That will gently work out the lactic acid from your cramps now and prevent future cramps.
I also had leg cramps during delivery (not to scare you). Again, I made sure to take magnesium right after delivery. It won't hurt the baby. I prefer Magnesium Malate, a compound that is more readily absorbed by your body than Magnesium Oxide.

You have lots of good suggestions, and several are what I would also suggest. What I do want to share is a wonderful way to get rid of a cramp if it does develop. I teach aerobics and my water aerobics gals swore by this since cramping in the pool is very common. I remembered it during my last pregnancy and tried it in the middle of the night and it was amazing how it works...
There's a pressure point where your nose and top lip connect. Press VERY h*** o* the spot with your finger and hold it. It may take several seconds, but it will release the knot. It's the strangest sensation, but it just goes away and you don't end up with the sore muscle you normally do when you try to stretch it out or rub it out.
Good luck!

Not to be scary, but check with your dr. that this is not a blood clot. I had one (not during pregnancy), and the some of the signs are cramping in the calf, redness, warm to the touch. You're probably ok, especially if the pain is in both, but just check with your doc.

Leg cramps are from dehydration. Drink lots of water.

I started taking a medication that caused leg cramps and my Dr told me to drink gatoraid. I had never had it before since I pretty much only drink water but I bought some of the fruit punch flavor and over crushed ice it it was good, especially refreshing in the hot summer. Within a couple days I noticed the leg cramps were gone. If I go a few days without a glass of gatoraid I get them again. I drink a glass full and the cramps go away. Make sure you get plenty of water but maybe try the Gatoraid too. At least its not a drug or anything that will harm the baby. Also stand facing a wall about 3 feet back. Keep your feet flat on the floor and put your hands on the wall and do "push ups" against the wall and help stretch the calf muscles. That will help too. Have a happy baby! (o:

I have also been getting leg craps, I told my OB about it 4 weeks ago and he told me to take 2 Calcet tablets before bed. It worked, I know in the morning if I get a leg cramp that I forgot to take the calcet! Im 34 weeks now. You can get them otc in the vitamin section.
Hope that helps!

You are low on potassium. That is the reason for the leg cramps.

Lisa

Hi A.-
I was always told to eat bananas for their potassium. Plus drink loads of water. If you are like me and some days water doesn't taste so exciting, here are a couple of things you can do to liven it up.
1. Add chilled, freshly sliced cucumbers to your water.
2. Add orange, lemon, or lime slices- squeeze a few and then add a few rings.
3. Add any kind of fruit.
Fun ways to eat bananas and get plant proteins:
1. Peanut butter and banana sandwich.
2. Homemade smoothies, with bananas as the base fruit.
3. Slice 'em up and layer them in yogurt with granola
These, with some water, and some "pregnancy" stretching or exercise should help your legs. All in all, they need to be stretched and moved, and then your body needs to be fed the right stuff to cleanse, heal, and flush.
I hope that helps!
Good lcuk- and I hope your legs feel better.

Yes, check with your doctor, just in case.
But this is probably due to a lack of potassium. I've always thought bananas were the best way to get potassium. I've recently found out that coconut water (not coconut milk) is very high in potassium...much higher than bananas. I love it. It's extremely hydrating, it's full of electrolytes and it's natural, as oppopsed to Gatoraid. I get it from Whole Foods.

I believe that oranges have just as much potassium as Bananas. Drink lots of water..

Leg cramps can be from Dehydration or lack of vitamins in you diet.

when I had leg cramps while pregant, my doctor suggested to take 4 tums a day. It worked like a charm. You might try it.

I have to agree with the comment about checking with your doctor to rule out DVT first. Also, make sure to drink lots of water and take your prenatal vitamins.