How to Prevent Leg Cramps during Pregnancy

Cramps can be described as painful sensations that are caused by abnormal contraction of muscles. Leg cramps occurring during pregnancy are caused due to increase in body weight. Some experts believe that these are caused due to the presence of phosphorus in excess and a lack of calcium and potassium. The different types of cramps include menstrual cramps, smooth muscle cramp, nocturnal leg cramp, and skeletal muscle cramp. Here, we would specifically look into how to prevent leg cramps during pregnancy. Cramps associated with pregnancy are not just restricted to night time but they can occur at any time during the day.

Tips to Prevent Leg Cramps in Pregnancy

Pregnancy Exercises

1. Leg stretches if done a few times in a day could help in preventing leg cramps during pregnancy. Leg stretches, before going to the bed would also prove useful to avoid nocturnal cramps.
2. A walk of about 10-15 minutes daily after consultation with the doctor is also useful.
3. In order to increase the blood circulation, rotating ankles and shaking the toes back and forth also would prove helpful

Things to Avoid During Pregnancy

1. To prevent leg cramps during pregnancy it is suggested to avoid standing for a long time
2. Keeping legs in a crossed position for a long period also should be avoided.

Pregnancy Diet
There are also dietary options that one can follow to prevent leg cramps during pregnancy.

1. The most important aspect a woman needs to cater to maintain adequate hydration by consuming a lot of water. This is because water prevents dehydration, and therefore prevents the tightening of muscles.
2. Potassium is an important element that helps to regulate muscle contraction. Bananas have a good potassium content, therefore it is good to have fruits, such as bananas.
3. As mentioned above, an excess of phosphorus content in the body results in cramps, therefore it is better to decrease the consumption of snack food items, processed meats and soft drinks as they have a higher phosphorus content.
4. Calcium is another essential requirement of the body, therefore consuming foods such as milk products, fishes such as salmon, almonds and green leafy vegetables would help in increasing the calcium content. This would therefore help in preventing leg cramps during pregnancy as calcium relaxes nerves impulses and controls muscle activity.
5. Foods rich in magnesium should also be a part of the diet plan for healthy pregnancy.

Regular Check Ups
Since weight gain during pregnancy is also a major cause of cramps, it is necessary to keep a check on the weight and take adequate care that it does not exceed the normal range. One can even consult a doctor for this purpose.

Woman can prevent leg cramps during pregnancy with the above mentioned methods. It is always better to seek consultation from a professional doctor if you still experience cramps in spite of taking adequate measures. A word of proper consultation and advice from the doctor would help in procuring the proper treatment for leg cramps during pregnancy.