Pregnancy And Baby Care Conditions During Pregnancy Leg Cramps During Pregnancy

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...proper functioning of the nervous system in the baby.

If the mother’s calcium intake is low, all calcium from the mother’s body is directed to the baby. This results in leg cramps during pregnancy first trimester, characterized by a tingling sensation in the legs as well as joint pains. The best way to deal with this situation is by ensuring that the mother to be consumes sufficient calcium rich foods such as milk and milk products. Spinach, salmon with bones and soy milk are also good sources of calcium. In most cases, the doctor may prescribe calcium supplements to meet the demands of the baby growing in the womb.

Leg cramps during pregnancy at night are mainly caused as a result of fatigue and strain on the limbs during the course of the day. Most women get so caught up with work that they maintain one position for extended periods of time. Besides this, the lopsidedness of a pregnant body also exerts pressure on the legs. This is worsened through the use of uncomfortable footwear. Moreover, the hormone relaxin loosens the ligaments in preparation for childbirth and this makes a pregnant woman more susceptible to injury and upper leg cramps during pregnancy. When a woman gets ready to go to bed, leg cramps during pregnancy, while sleeping become more prominent as she is now more aware of her being. In such cases, a short walk before hitting the sack may prove beneficial as it provides a certain amount of flexibility to the joints as well as relaxes tense muscles. To relieve cramps, gently rotate your feet, one at a time, bringing them closer to your shin rather than away from it. Avoid stretching your feet away from you body as the leg muscles could go into spasm, thus increasing the discomfort. Water retention is a contributory factor to lower leg cramps during pregnancy. Drinking plenty of water helps to relieve leg cramps during pregnancy which are triggered by water retention.