- A lack of potassium leads to a weakening of the functioning of the nervous system as a whole, and since potassium is necessary for the transmission of nerve impulses to the muscles, cramps during pregnancy in the calves are the most natural and primary symptom, in addition to cramps, general weakness and drowsiness occurs, minor pathologies in the heart activities and constipation. Hypokalemia can develop as early as the second trimester and is most severe in the third.
Potassium-rich foods:
- Dried apricots;
- Sea kale;
- Beans;
- Prunes;
- Peas;
- Lentils;
- Raisin;
- Potato.
- Deficiency of pyridoxine (vitamin B6). This substance is involved in the production of amino acids necessary for the formation of proteins. The amount of this vitamin a pregnant woman receives must be increased by 30%. Lack of pyridoxine is expressed in irritability, gastrointestinal disorders, the development of caries and limb cramps, and in manifestations of early toxicosis. Foods rich in pyridoxine: pine nuts, hazelnuts, sea buckthorn, beans, liver, chicken, pomegranate, millet, fish, chicken.
- Cramps in the calf muscles during pregnancy may appear due to varicose veins. Swelling and slagging of the venous vessels leads to convulsions, and a characteristic mesh is formed.
- Compression of the inferior vena cava leads to leg cramps during pregnancy in the last 10 weeks;
- Taking diuretics can also trigger seizures.
In addition to the main reasons why leg cramps occur during pregnancy, the following can be identified:
- Glucose deficiency;
- Physical inactivity of a pregnant woman;
- Smoking;
- Caffeine;
- Accumulation of fluid in the body.
It happens that abdominal cramps occur; during pregnancy, such symptoms are a direct threat to the safety of the fetus. Possible:
- Bloody issues;
- Early or late miscarriage;
- Premature birth.
If cramping and convulsive pain does not go away, you need to urgently go to the hospital by ambulance. Every minute counts.
However, there may be other causes of pain and cramps:
You should not ignore any pain, because it signals that the body is not functioning normally and needs help and treatment. And, in the case of an ectopic pregnancy, surgery will be required. Modern technologies make it possible, if detected in a timely manner, to save the tube if you find a doctor who performs laparoscopy.
What to do if you have cramps?
- First aid for cramps is heat . Relax, stretch your limbs and apply a hot water bottle through a towel.
- Stretch the muscles , pulling your toes and feet towards you, then relax, stretch again. Repeat these steps until the convulsive spasms stop;
- If during pregnancy you experience leg cramps at night when you are sleeping or lying on your right side, try not to lie on that side anymore, since the fetus is compressing the vein; if cramps occur when lying on your back, place a pillow under them.
- You should not take a hot bath , but a warm one will help relax your muscles and relieve pain.
- Take paracetamol for pain;
- If the cramps are alarming in their intensity and are accompanied by severe pain, a consultation with a gynecologist, or perhaps a phlebologist, gastroenterologist, nutritionist and other specialized specialists is necessary.
What to do if you have leg cramps during pregnancy is now clear, but you don’t have to put your body through such pain. To do this you need:
- Balanced diet rich in minerals, vitamins and calcium;
- Give preference to fractional meals , it is recommended to eat foods consisting of complex carbohydrates - pasta, cereal porridges, fruits and vegetables, black bread;
- Refusing simple carbohydrates (chocolates, cakes) these products do not contribute to an increase in blood glucose levels, but, on the contrary, due to the intake of huge amounts of available sugars from the outside, the body will sharply reduce this indicator. Anemia may develop;
- Avoid uncomfortable and tight shoes and high-heeled shoes. Uncomfortable shoes increase tension in the leg muscles;
- You need to move a lot . When moving, your muscles also strain less, since they are not forced to work in one position for a long time;
- You cannot sit , stand or lie for a long time, otherwise the vessels will be compressed and blood flow will be disrupted;
- When resting , place a pillow under your feet to improve blood circulation;
- Do foot massage (ask your husband) and gymnastics, exercises in which you perform something like rolling from tiptoe to heel will help;
- If the diagnosis of varicose veins is confirmed, ask your doctor to recommend compression tights;
- Relieve stress from your feet with special sea salt baths.
In fact, the list just seems too long, but if you try to follow all the recommendations, you will forget about cramping pain.
Despite all the recommendations described above, you will still need to follow the following recommendations from your doctor:
- It is necessary to establish an optimal daily routine;
- Include walks in the fresh air in your schedule;
- Take vitamin complexes according to the stage of pregnancy;
- If necessary, you should choose a bandage, which is useful not only for the legs, but also for the back.
- Need a foot massage before bed;
- Daily gymnastics with recommended exercises;
- Take daily baths to relax the leg muscles;
- Try not to sit too long and lead an active lifestyle, which will not only help prevent the occurrence of cramps, but will also be useful at the time of childbirth.
Leg cramps during pregnancy can be a real torture, which complicates the already difficult situation of a woman. It is imperative to get rid of this problem, you just need an integrated approach and strict adherence to the doctor’s recommendations.
Be attentive to yourself, monitor your health and eat a varied diet, because the fate of the little man is in your hands.
Left side hurts during pregnancy: causes and treatment
Why can your left side hurt during pregnancy?
During pregnancy, significant changes occur in the expectant mother's body. Blood flow to the pelvic organs increases, individual muscle groups relax, and the hormonal balance is completely rebuilt. Such changes cause a feeling of discomfort and cause pain.
The left side of the abdomen contains important organs such as:
Deviations in the functioning of all of these organs can provoke pain in the left side during pregnancy. However, it can be physiological in nature or be a symptom of serious internal diseases.
The physiological causes of pain are:
- toxicosis;
- gastritis of early pregnancy;
- weakening of the muscles of the digestive organs;
- binge eating;
- decreased intestinal motility;
- constipation;
- compression of some organs by the uterus.
To eliminate unpleasant sensations, you should give preference to easily digestible foods . You need to eat in small portions and drink enough liquid.
A woman’s immune system weakens while raising a child, so during this period the body is especially vulnerable and can easily catch inflammation. And pain can become a symptom of such an inflammatory process. In this case we are already talking about pathology.
Pathological causes of pain in the left side of the abdomen in pregnant women include :
- hiatal hernia;
- stomach pinching;
- internal infection;
- inflammation of the kidneys, ovaries;
- intestinal diseases.
Signs and diagnosis of pain in the left side during pregnancy
Based on the signs of pain, you can determine the cause of its occurrence.
The nagging nature of the pain indicates the following diseases:
Stitching pain occurs due to:
Acute and severe pain is associated with conditions such as:
- stomach ulcer;
- acute gastritis;
- strangulation of the stomach;
- colic of the digestive system;
- splenic rupture or cyst.
It is impossible to establish a diagnosis based on symptoms of pain. To identify the exact cause, it is necessary to conduct a diagnosis.
Diagnostic measures for pain in the left side of the abdomen in pregnant women include:
- medical examination by palpation;
- conducting a general blood test;
- laboratory testing of liver enzymes, amylase and lipase;
- passing a general urine test;
- performing ultrasound (ultrasound examination).
In what cases should you urgently consult a doctor?
Any pain that appears during pregnancy is a reason to contact a gynecologist. It cannot be ignored or left unattended, as it may be a symptom of a serious illness.
Only a doctor will be able to determine whether pain is a physiological feature of pregnancy or is pathological in nature.
If the physiological nature of the pain is established, you can rest easy and you won’t have to worry in vain, which is so important for women preparing to become mothers. And if symptoms of pathology are detected, you may be referred to a gastroenterologist, therapist, infectious disease specialist or surgeon.
What to do for pain in the left side
If the pain is physiological, you can take steps to relieve it at home. As a rule, simple and at the same time effective rules allow you to quickly eliminate pain.
- Eat right and rationally. You should eat often, but in small portions. This will reduce the load on the stomach and improve digestion.
- It is necessary to include fresh vegetables and fruits, dairy products, dried fruits and wholemeal bread products in the diet.
- You should relax your muscles every day by taking a knee-elbow position. This exercise reduces pressure on internal organs.
- Physical activity gives the body strength and strengthens muscles.
- You need to rest more and walk in the fresh air.
If the pain is a pathology, the doctor will prescribe the necessary treatment . The choice of drugs and the determination of the treatment regimen depend entirely on the cause of the pain. Most often, anti-inflammatory and painkillers are prescribed, which have no contraindications for use during pregnancy.
What not to do for pain in the left side
- Take medications with analgesic, antispasmodic, and laxative effects.
- Apply a heating pad to your stomach.
- Do an enema.
The most important thing is not to self-medicate . Even the most harmless drugs can cause side effects. Medicines are prescribed by a doctor who has weighed all the facts and assessed the condition of the pregnant woman.
Advice from experienced and competent specialists is always in demand. It is especially important to listen to them during pregnancy to prevent adverse consequences. So, if a woman is bothered by pain in her left side, doctors advise:
- Wear a maternity bandage. It tightens and fixes the abdomen, thereby reducing the load on the organs of the digestive system.
- Take vitamin complexes for pregnant women. They improve immunity, and the body better fights inflammation and infections.
- Improve bowel function. You should consume dairy products and limit starchy foods to avoid constipation. If the intestinal microflora is disturbed, bifidobacteria can be used. They are safe to take during pregnancy.
- Perform specially designed exercises for expectant mothers.
Pain in the left side can appear in every woman preparing to become a mother. The body undergoes a major restructuring, and all efforts are directed toward maintaining and developing pregnancy. Internal changes affect the functioning of organs and systems.