The feeling of cramping in the legs is one of the common
complaints in pregnant women.
Leg cramps are thought to be due to decreased serum calcium
during pregnancy and increased phosphorus, so it is recommended to reduce the
foods containing phosphorus (such as milk) and increase calcium intake in the
treatment. For this, your doctor may recommend medicines containing calcium and
magnesium. In addition, absorption of phosphorus can be decreased by drinking
stomach syrups that hold phosphorus before meals.
Movements such as massage, warming and stretching may be
helpful. Do not stretch your thumbs forward while walking or stretching. This
is a movement behind the leg that can stimulate severe cramps. Always touch the
heel with the floor while walking.
Causes
cramping and contraction in the legs during pregnancy?
Cramping of legs in pregnant women is one of the common
complaints, but the exact cause is not known clearly.
Some of the
factors that are estimated to be effective in the formation of cramps are:
- Mineral changes such as magnesium deficiency, calcium
deficiency, excess phosphorus
- Increased load on the legs due to the growth and weight of
the uterus
- The growing uterus presses on the veins from the legs
- The growing uterus compresses the leg nerves
- Fat accumulation in the legs due to swelling, edema and
weight gain
Leg cramps are often seen at night, although the reasons
listed above seem to be due to weight loss while standing more. It can be
frequent enough to wake the expectant mother suddenly even at night and prevent
her from sleeping easily.
Prevention:
Recommendations
to reduce cramps during pregnancy:
- Avoid sitting with your legs crossed for a long time.
- Stretch the leg muscles well before daytime and at night.
- Do not leave your legs motionless while sitting, watching
TV, eating. Turn and move your ankles and toes.
- Walk every day.
- Don't tire yourself too.
- Lie down to your left when you lie down to rest.
- Drink plenty of water during the day.
- Before sleeping, massage your legs with a little warm
water.
- Use shoes suitable for pregnancy.
Pain and
numbness in the legs:
In pregnant women, pain and numbness can rarely occur, apart
from cramping in the legs. Standing too much and gaining excess weight is an
important factor in this. In this case, which department should be applied?
First of all, it is appropriate to contact your obstetrician. Your obstetrician
will consult with departments such as orthopedics or neurology if necessary.
Rarely, symptoms such as numbness, tingling, burning stinging sensation,
needling, muscle pulling, involuntary contractions may occur due to nerve
compression in the leg.
Treatment:
The most effective treatment for leg cramps is the measures
described above. Sometimes magnesium or calcium medications are given to reduce
leg cramps, but many studies have shown that those who take these medications
have no change in their complaints. You should not use any medication without
consulting your doctor.
-REFLUE AND STOMACH PAIN IN PREGNANCY
-BREATHING PROBLEMS IN PREGNANCY
-SHORTNESS OF BREATH IN PREGNANCY
-PSYCHOLOGICAL PROBLEMS IN PREGNANCY
-REFLUE AND STOMACH PAIN IN PREGNANCY
-FREQUENT URINATION IN PREGNANCY
-NAUSEA-VOMITING IN PREGNANCY
-SLEEPLESSNES IN PREGNANCY
