A common cause for discomfort and agonizing pain during pregnancy is leg cramps. It probably occurs due to the extra weight that the body has to support. Though lack of calcium is thought to be the main reason for the occurrence of leg cramps, there is not sufficient evidence to prove this. As precautionary measures, you should avoid standing or sitting crossed-legged for too long, you should stretch your calf and leg muscles during the day and rest when tired. Elevating your legs whenever possible will also help. Moreover, a warm shower before bedtime can ameliorate the symptoms considerably and ensure sound sleep. If, in spite of all the care, you still get cramps, there are a number of ways to find relief.
How to treat Leg Cramps during Pregnancy effectively
1.To treat a leg cramp immediately, stretch your calf muscle by flexing your toes back towards your shin.
2.If there is someone with you, ask him/her to massage the cramping muscle. This will ease out the spasm.
3.A hot water bottle or a heating pad provides instantaneous relief and relaxes the cramp.
4.Try standing on a cold surface or walk around a bit. The idea is to increase the blood circulation in the legs.
5.Any form of gentle exercise, such as swimming or walking, will prevent the cramp from becoming too severe.
6.Analgesics such as Tylenol (Acetaminophen) can be administered to relieve the pain. However, any sort of medication during pregnancy should be taken only
after due consultation with the doctor.
7.If the cramps become a regular feature and you notice some swelling, redness or tenderness in your leg, it is a good idea to seek medical help.
8.A diet rich in vegetables, fruits and salads will reduce the severity of the cramps.
9.Massaging with a drop each of lavender and chamomile oils soothe the pain. Lavender oil has pain relieving properties whereas chamomile helps to reduce the
intensity of the spasm.
10.If the cramp gives you a sensation of the muscle being bruised, you can rub some homeopathic arnica cream gently over the muscle.
Leg cramps during pregnancy can be effectively treated and prevented if you are reasonably active, stay hydrated, eat your calcium supplements and ensure a healthy diet. Besides, cutting down on food items that contain phosphorous such as processed meat, soda, snacks can also aid the healing process. It is believed that an excess of phos