Why cramps legs during pregnancy: causes and consequences

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Cramps are one of the most common complaints of women who are expecting replenishment in the family. Painful attacks in the muscles most often come at night. Why does it bring legs together during pregnancy? There may be several reasons for this condition.

Magnesium deficiency

If you cramp your legs at night during pregnancy, a woman should reconsider her diet. Most likely, the body lacks important trace elements necessary for the full development of the fetus. One of the most important substances for women and children is magnesium. This element takes part in the creation of all vital systems of the fetus. The woman's body gives the maximum magnesium to the child. In this case, the he alth of the future mother herself may suffer. If it reduces the calves of the legs during pregnancy, this should be reported to the gynecologist. Most likely, the doctor will prescribe a vitamin complex, with the help of which it will be possible to cope with unpleasant symptoms.

Leg cramps are not the only sign that a woman has a magnesium deficiency. The futuremothers may have digestive problems, heartburn will torment. Nausea in the first months of pregnancy can also indicate a lack of vitamins. A pregnant woman will have to reconsider her diet. The highest content of magnesium is observed in parsley and dill. Do not give up seasonal vegetables and fruits. In addition, the expectant mother may be given drug therapy. Often, women are prescribed Magne-B6.

Calcium deficiency

Calcium is the main building element for the bone apparatus of the fetus. If it cramps during pregnancy, it is possible that this substance is not enough in the mother's body. Calcium plays an important role in the transmission of nerve impulses, minerals, and energy metabolism. The problem is that this element is absorbed in the body only in the presence of magnesium. That is, if there is not enough magnesium in the female body, calcium will simply go by. You can restore balance by taking vitamin D.

Most often complain about the fact that it reduces the calves of the legs during pregnancy, women whose births are scheduled for late winter or early spring. The second part of the term for such representatives of the weaker sex falls on cold weather. The sun is an important source of vitamin D. The problem is easily solved by proper nutrition. Additionally, multivitamin complexes for pregnant women can be prescribed.

Anemia

Anemia is a condition that almost every pregnant woman faces to some extent. significantly reduced in erythrocytes.hemoglobin level. As a result, almost all body systems begin to suffer. Hemoglobin also contains iron. A decrease in the level of this element in a woman's body can cause leg cramps during pregnancy.

In the daily diet of a future mother should be up to 20 g of iron. However, there is no guarantee that an important trace element can be absorbed in the right amount. Therefore, it is impossible to cure anemia with diet alone. If the hemoglobin level is significantly reduced, drug therapy may be prescribed to the expectant mother. Quickly cope with anemia will help the tool "Sorbifer". But you can’t start treatment on your own if you cramp your legs during pregnancy. The reasons for this condition should be determined by the doctor.

Varicose disease

30% of expectant mothers who carry their first child are diagnosed with varicose veins. In subsequent pregnancies, the risk of developing the disease increases. The circulatory system of a woman is under the strongest load. As the fetus grows, so does the pressure on the blood vessels. Why does it bring legs together during pregnancy? It is possible that there are problems with the veins. You should definitely inform the gynecologist about heaviness in the legs and cramps. Most likely, the doctor will refer the woman to a narrow specialist - a phlebologist.

The best prevention of varicose veins during pregnancy is the use of special compression stockings. You can also bandage your legs with an elastic bandage. Special hosiery should be used throughout pregnancy, even if signsvaricose veins are not yet available. After childbirth, the load on the legs will be reduced, and unpleasant symptoms will also go away.

Contrast pouring on the legs also helps to improve vascular tone. First, moderately hot water is used (about 40 degrees), then cool (18-20 degrees).

Inferior vena cava syndrome

To the right of the spine runs the inferior vena cava, which collects blood from the lower body. As the fetus grows, the uterus begins to put pressure on it. In this case, the outflow of blood from the lower extremities is disturbed. A woman experiences unpleasant symptoms similar to varicose veins. Most often this occurs after the 30th week of pregnancy. If the fetus is large, or the expectant mother is overweight, inferior vena cava syndrome can be encountered even earlier. If it brings her legs together during pregnancy, it is possible that she had to face such a pathology. Unpleasant symptoms develop if a woman lies on her back or right side. There is no medical treatment for inferior vena cava syndrome. A woman should choose a comfortable position for sleeping. It is recommended to sleep on the left side with a pillow under the buttock.

For a normal venous outflow, a pregnant woman is recommended moderate physical activity. The last weeks of gestation should not be spent lying on the couch. Walking in the fresh air will be beneficial for both mother and baby.

Diagnosis

If during pregnancy it reduces legs at night, what should I do? First of all, you need to reportthis gynecologist. The doctor will do everything to find out what the unpleasant symptoms are associated with. Already on the basis of accompanying complaints, a preliminary diagnosis can be made. So, if dizziness is present, appetite is reduced, most likely, one had to deal with anemia. Be sure to conduct a laboratory study of blood parameters, the level of hemoglobin is studied. If varicose veins are suspected, consultation with a phlebologist or vascular surgeon is required. In the most difficult cases, a woman is hospitalized for a detailed examination of the whole body.

First aid for cramps

If it brings legs together during pregnancy, what should I do? How to deal with terrible pain? Unpleasant attacks, as a rule, happen at night. A woman should know how to quickly relieve muscle tension. The first thing to do is to try to rub the area in which pain occurs. Special warming ointments help well. But before using a particular drug, you should consult a gynecologist.

It will be possible to quickly relieve a spasm in the calf muscle if you take your toes with your hand and pull them towards you. Walking on a cold floor also helps. Light massage will help restore blood circulation in the affected area. It is difficult to do any manipulations on the legs on your own in the last stages of pregnancy. Therefore, it is worth taking the help of loved ones. It will be possible to avoid repeated cramps if you put a pillow under your feet.

Prevention of seizures during pregnancy

Almost every pregnant doctor prescribes vitamin complexes, regardless of the tests. You should not neglect the intake of such drugs. Special vitamins for pregnant women will help to fill the deficiency of all trace elements necessary for the he alth of the woman and the fetus. Even in early pregnancy, it is recommended to purchase compression stockings. Such a wardrobe item will not harm. Along with this, the risk of complications will be minimized.

Even if a woman is completely he althy, leg cramps may occur due to excessive strain on the calf muscles. Therefore, already in the first weeks of pregnancy, it is recommended to abandon heels. Flat soles won't work either. The ideal option is a wedge with a rise of 3-4 centimeters.

For women who are forced to be on their feet for a long time (teachers, hairdressers, salesmen, etc.), there are special exercises that can help normalize blood circulation and relieve muscle tension. Alternating standing on one leg is an excellent prevention of seizures. You can also roll from heels to toes for 4-5 minutes.

Checking out the diet

Proper nutrition is the basis of a woman's he alth and the full development of the fetus. If you make an appropriate diet, there will be no need to take special vitamin complexes. Eat more foods rich in vitamin D, magnesium and calcium. The menu should definitely include seafood if a woman is not allergic to them. Lots of vitamins and mineralsminerals found in red fish, cod liver, seaweed.

In the diet of a pregnant woman, there should be cottage cheese every day. It is best to consume it for breakfast. This product will not only energize you for the whole day, but also fill the daily need for calcium. But coffee must be completely abandoned. This drink flushes out calcium from the body. Magnesium is found in almost all foods. But with a normal diet, this trace element may not be enough. Eating a handful of nuts daily can reduce the risk of seizures.

Summarize

If you cramp your legs during pregnancy, don't panic. But you should definitely report the unpleasant symptoms to the gynecologist at the next examination. The doctor will conduct an examination and prescribe the appropriate therapy. And the expectant mother should reconsider her diet and take care of moderate physical activity. Leg cramps during pregnancy are temporary. The pain will go away as soon as the baby is born.