Painful muscle contractions in the legs or arms are not uncommon during pregnancy. Cramps come suddenly and especially often disturb the expectant mother during rest. What are the causes of cramps during pregnancy and how to deal with them?
Cramps can overcome a pregnant woman for many reasons, acting as a kind of symptom of possible disorders in the body, starting with a lack of certain vitamins and microelements, and ending with complications during pregnancy. The main causes of cramps during pregnancy:
1. Lack of microelements such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, as well as vitamin B6, caused by:
2. Decrease in the amount of hemoglobin (severe anemia).
3. Impaired blood sugar levels, which can occur due to a lack of diet, when a pregnant woman eats rarely and in large portions, or leans too much on sweets.
4. Varicose veins, especially if there is increased stress on the legs.
5. Drinking drinks containing caffeine, which provokes muscle dehydration and tension, leading to the development of cramps.
6. “Inferior vena cava compression syndrome”, in which the enlarged uterus presses on the inferior vena cava and causes a violation of the venous outflow from the legs. In this case, cramps begin to torment the pregnant woman, usually in the third trimester, when she lies on her back or right side.
7. Various diseases and complications of pregnancy.
If a seizure occurs, experts recommend doing the following:
Cramps are only a symptom of certain disorders in the body, so if they appear, you should immediately consult your doctor, who can find out the cause of painful muscle contractions and prescribe treatment.
If the reason is a lack of microelements and vitamins, then treatment will be reduced to a review of the diet and supplementing it with necessary products. In some cases, the doctor may prescribe a vitamin-mineral complex.
By the way, in any case, a pregnant woman’s diet should include the following products: cereals (buckwheat and oatmeal), wholemeal bread and pasta, fermented milk products, hard cheeses, fish, lean meat, fresh and dry vegetables and fruits , as well as nuts in small quantities. To maintain normal blood sugar levels, you should eat small meals often.
In order not to provoke leg cramps, it is important to adhere to the following recommendations:
Cramps are an unpleasant occurrence. They can occur at any time of the day, but most often occur at night. This symptom should not be ignored, because cramps always indicate a lack of vitamins, microelements or a pathological process. What to do if you have seizures? How to prevent them? Before answering all these questions, it is necessary to understand the cause of these unpleasant symptoms.
Let's figure out what cramps are. A pregnant woman should understand that this is a voluntary muscle contraction, which leads to severe cramping pain, which can radiate to the area of the lower leg and feet. Rarely, spasm occurs in the legs, arm muscles, and neck.
The most common concern for pregnant women is cramps in the calf muscles; they occur at night or in the morning. Often, cramps begin to appear in the second trimester of pregnancy, it is at this time that the fetus is actively developing.
To get rid of unpleasant symptoms, you need to find out the cause of its occurrence. The main factors causing seizures include:
Rarely, convulsions in a pregnant woman are caused by disturbances in the inferior vena cava due to the fact that it is compressed by the uterus. First, the venous outflow is disrupted, and then severe convulsions appear.
When cramps occur, you need to stand up and carefully try to stretch the muscle in which the spasm occurred. The main thing is not to panic, you need to relax, breathe calmly and deeply. Repeat the exercise until it becomes easier.
A small massage of the affected muscle will ease your condition. This way you can warm it up and restore blood circulation. Prick the muscle with a sharp object, pinch it (everything must be done with extreme caution, because a bruise may appear).
When you feel better, lie down and put a pillow under your leg. This will restore blood flow and you will get rid of painful cramps.
Particularly dangerous are seizures that occur due to a lack of nutrients. For example, with a lack of magnesium, lumbar pain may begin to bother you, and uterine hypertonicity will occur. This condition leads to miscarriage.
Remember! Do not self-medicate; report all symptoms to your gynecologist. This way you can avoid serious complications.
When cramps become persistent, they can affect the course of pregnancy. It may be necessary to additionally consult with a therapist, endocrinologist, or neurologist.
Often the doctor prescribes special vitamin and mineral complexes; they will alleviate the condition of the pregnant woman and will not harm the baby. Vitamins help compensate for the lack of useful elements in the body of a pregnant woman.
If no pathology was detected during the examination, the doctor does not prescribe anything, but names recommendations that must be followed:
It is clear that a pregnant woman continues to work until maternity leave. Some pregnant women have to stand on their feet for a long time. To relieve stress, perform special exercises that will improve blood circulation:
You can alleviate the condition with the help of special anti-varicose tights.
Thus, a pregnant woman should not endure constant cramps. If unpleasant sensations occur, it means that something is wrong with the body. Do not get carried away with traditional methods of treatment. The fact is that some can seriously harm a woman and baby. In case of seizures, consultation with a doctor is mandatory. Only after the cause has been established can a decision be made regarding the course of therapy. Pay attention to preventative measures that will protect you from seizures. Remember that during pregnancy there are many different changes in the body, so if you have not previously been bothered by cramps, they may appear during this period.
Pregnancy and childbirth are physiological processes intended by nature. But, despite this, a woman’s body faces increased stress during the entire period of bearing a child. Leg cramps during pregnancy are a fairly common problem.
Almost every woman expecting a child encounters them from time to time. Why do leg cramps occur in pregnant women? There may be several reasons - starting from a lack of vitamins and microelements in the body, ending with a sedentary lifestyle and stagnation of blood flow in the legs.
First of all, when considering the problem of leg cramps in pregnant women, you need to pay attention to the quality of nutrition of the expectant mother. Chronic lack of certain vitamins and microelements most often causes the development of calf muscle cramps during pregnancy.
Often, seizures appear in response to toxicosis. Repeated vomiting and salivation lead to excessive removal from the body of essential nutrients that are important for the full functional activity of the muscular system.
Venous diseases do not cause leg cramps during pregnancy very often, however, they should not be discounted. After diagnostic procedures, the gynecologist usually prescribes medications that are safe for the developing fetus and life-saving for the expectant mother.
Iron deficiency anemia, which is caused by low hemoglobin levels, can also cause leg cramps in pregnant women. Lack of iron is usually associated with poor nutrition and errors in diet, so the doctor will advise the expectant mother to reconsider her usual diet and be sure to include in it foods such as butter, rolled oats, meat, fish, beets, honey, dried fruits and much more.
A lack of magnesium in the body is common among pregnant women, as its consumption increases significantly during pregnancy. Magnesium is directly involved in a whole complex of metabolic reactions, the intensity of which increases during gestation. Magnesium deficiency always causes leg cramps during pregnancy. To correct the situation, the doctor may prescribe magnesium supplements to the pregnant woman and recommend including cereals, legumes, eggs, fruits, vegetables, dill and cocoa in the diet. Read more about Magne B6 >
A lack of calcium, like magnesium, negatively affects all metabolic processes in the body. These microelements interact closely with each other. Caffeine and many medications impair calcium absorption.
Along with magnesium and calcium supplements, the expectant mother is recommended to use foods such as milk, hard cheese, cottage cheese, nuts, herbs, eggs and fish to prevent cramps in the calves during pregnancy.
A lack of potassium causes inhibition of the functional activity of the nervous system, since this trace element is responsible for the transmission of nerve impulses to muscle fibers. Calf cramps during pregnancy are the first and understandable sign of a lack of potassium in the body. In addition to the convulsive syndrome, which appears at any time of the day, but mainly at night, a woman may note such accompanying symptoms as general weakness, drowsiness, slow heart rate and constipation.
Hypokalemia often manifests itself already in the 2nd trimester, but more often expectant mothers encounter this condition in the last weeks of pregnancy. In addition to potassium supplements, a woman is recommended to supplement her diet with dried apricots, nuts, legumes, seaweed and potatoes.
A lack of vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) can also cause calf cramps during pregnancy. This trace element takes part in the synthesis of amino acids, which are important for the formation of protein compounds. In the body of the expectant mother, the amount of vitamin B6 should be increased by 30% compared to its level before pregnancy.
Lack of pyridoxine causes increased irritability, disturbances in the digestive tract, the appearance of caries, early toxicosis and convulsive phenomena in the calf muscles. Nuts are rich in potassium, especially hazelnuts and cedar, sea buckthorn, chicken, fish and pomegranate.
Varicose veins, accompanied by swelling and slagging of the lumen of the venous vessels, also lead to cramps in the legs during pregnancy at night. In addition, the pressure of the growing uterus on the inferior vena cava causes cramps in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy.
Other provoking factors can be identified that influence the occurrence of leg cramps in expectant mothers:
What to do if you experience leg cramps during pregnancy? First of all, you need warmth. The woman should relax her limbs and apply a heating pad or a bottle of warm water wrapped in a towel to them.
If there is no heat at hand - for example, a cramp caught the expectant mother on the road or late at night - you need to stretch the leg muscles, pulling the feet towards you, then relax and stretch again. These manipulations must be repeated until the cramps subside.
Often, leg cramps during pregnancy at night appear due to long periods of lying on the right side or back, as the fetus puts additional pressure on the inferior vena cava. In this case, it is recommended to sleep only on your left side.
If the cramps are too intense and continue for a long time, they can be relieved with Paracetamol and a warm bath. Such cases cannot be ignored; if they recur, consultation with specialists such as a gynecologist, phlebologist, gastroenterologist, etc. is necessary.
Treatment of leg cramps during pregnancy depends entirely on the identified cause of this pathology.
The deficiency of individual microelements in the body can be compensated for by taking multivitamin complexes, a properly selected diet and giving up bad habits. Walking in the fresh air helps improve the absorption of calcium and vitamin D.
Taking multivitamins and preventing their deficiency should be carried out at the planning stage of pregnancy, as well as throughout its entire duration. Do not neglect synthetic vitamin complexes. The fact is that not all nutrients and microelements from food products are absorbed in full, especially if there are problems with the digestive tract or metabolic disorders.
Anemia can be treated with iron supplements; the course of treatment depends on the severity of the disease. There are situations when a woman is forced to fight anemia and take these medications throughout her pregnancy.
Varicose veins require the use of venotonic drugs, wearing special stockings, and applying elastic bandages. All this is prescribed by the doctor depending on the degree of varicose veins.
Adequately selected therapy leads to the elimination of convulsive phenomena in the legs, a decrease in the symptoms of toxicosis, and normalization of the functioning of the nervous system. Thanks to this, the unborn child receives a sufficient amount of microelements necessary for its normal growth and development.
With timely preventative measures, you can avoid the occurrence of leg cramps in the future.
To do this, you need to use the following recommendations:
If, despite taking all preventive measures, pain and cramps in the calf muscles continue to haunt a pregnant woman, you should inform your doctor. You may need to undergo a more complete examination of the body for possible diseases and abnormalities.
Getting rid of leg cramps during pregnancy is not only possible, but also necessary, since their development is most often caused by a lack of certain microelements and vitamins in the body. Hypovitaminosis is dangerous for the development of the unborn child, so you should not take it lightly.
Quite often, the occurrence of seizures in pregnant women is associated with a violation of the content of any microelements. In the first trimester of pregnancy, this can occur as a result of toxicosis, accompanied by vomiting and loss of appetite, and in the second and third trimesters it is more often associated with the increased needs of the fetus for various nutrients and microelements due to its active growth and the formation of various structures - bones, tooth buds etc.
If seizures occur, it is necessary to examine the levels of calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium and phosphate in the blood. Cramps during pregnancy usually develop when blood levels of calcium, potassium, magnesium and sodium are low and when sodium and phosphate levels are high. A lack of vitamin B in food can also provoke convulsive contractions.
Most often in practice we have to deal with a lack of calcium, potassium and magnesium. Typically, cramps are most severe in mid-pregnancy. This is explained by the maximum surge in fetal growth occurring in the middle of pregnancy and the associated consumption of large amounts of microelements.
Often, cramps are associated with a decrease in glucose (sugar) levels in the blood. This is especially true during pregnancy, because... Glucose is the main energy source and is actively spent not only on the needs of the pregnant woman’s body, but also on the vital activity of the fetus. With an incorrect diet, when food is taken rarely, but in large quantities, with a late, heavy dinner, a decrease in blood sugar levels at night and in the morning is possible, which can cause convulsive contractions.
Varicose veins also contribute to the occurrence of cramps in the leg muscles. The growing uterus can compress the veins in the pelvis and prevent the flow of blood from the lower extremities. And increased blood flow in the pelvis during pregnancy increases the load on the veins. While healthy veins can still cope with the increased load, with varicose veins the blood begins to stagnate in the veins of the lower extremities and swelling appears.
Due to deterioration of blood circulation, the nutrition of the muscle, the delivery of nutrients to it and the removal of metabolic products are disrupted. All this serves as a favorable background for the development of seizures. Smoking and drinking large amounts of drinks containing caffeine, including strong tea, contribute to the development of seizures.
When smoking, chronic oxygen deficiency develops, which also affects the condition of the muscles, causing spasms. And caffeine can cause muscle tension and dehydration, which is a favorable condition for the development of cramps.
If you experience calf muscle cramps, it is recommended to try to stretch the muscle in which the spasm has developed. Try to relax and breathe deeply. For the most common cramp in the calf muscle, you need to pull your toes towards you, then release the tension and pull again with a little more force. Repeat this movement until the muscle relaxes, but do not force the muscle to stretch.
After this, carefully, so as not to provoke a new cramp, massage the muscles from the periphery to the center, warming them up. You can walk to activate blood circulation. After this, it is recommended to lie down with your legs elevated to ensure blood flow and avoid repeated cramps. There is another way to relieve a cramp - a pin prick into the muscle cramped.
The first thing a pregnant woman should do when cramps occur is to inform the obstetrician-gynecologist monitoring the pregnancy. If necessary, the doctor will prescribe additional laboratory tests and recommend consultation with specialists (therapist, neurologist, endocrinologist).
If serious illnesses are excluded as the cause of seizures, the doctor will recommend measures aimed at reducing unpleasant symptoms. Here are the most general recommendations:
It is recommended for pregnant women to: wear comfortable shoes with a stable heel no more than 4-5 cm high. If you are forced to stand for long periods of time, you should periodically perform simple exercises to normalize blood circulation in the calf muscles, for example, alternately rolling the foot from heel to toe and back. You can simply rise on your toes several times and lower your foot back to the floor.
It is very useful to use special rubber massage mats and balls for foot massage, which activate reflexogenic points and improve blood circulation. It is recommended to roll a ball with your feet or step from foot to foot on a massage mat 2-3 times a day for 5-10 minutes.
In case of varicose veins, it is recommended to wear special anti-varicose tights and stockings. In this case, it is very important to choose the right size and degree of compression (pressure) of tights, depending on the condition of the venous system. It is better if a doctor helps you with this.
If possible, rest with your legs elevated so that blood can circulate freely from your feet to your upper torso. In this case, you can do a light massage of the legs, stroking them from the feet to the thigh (in the direction of movement of venous blood through the vessels of the lower extremities) with moderate compression of the soft tissues to improve the outflow of venous blood.
To activate blood circulation and improve muscle nutrition, baths at room temperature with sea salt - 2-3 tbsp. salt per 4-5 liters of water. They are recommended to be done in the evening before bed. This procedure relieves fatigue and tension in the leg muscles.
To prevent cramps in the calf muscles, the following exercise is recommended: lie on the floor, raise your legs, bending them at the knees, and press your toes firmly against the wall. Keeping your legs in this position, count to 10. Repeat 6-8 times. You can do this exercise several times a day and before bed.
To maintain normal blood sugar levels, a pregnant woman is recommended to have frequent small meals, because Long breaks in food intake can also lead to a decrease in blood glucose levels and, accordingly, to seizures.
The basis of the diet should be complex carbohydrates (buckwheat and oatmeal, bread and wholemeal pasta, vegetables and fruits). The carbohydrates in these products are broken down slowly, ensuring a constant supply of moderate amounts of glucose into the blood. As a result, the body receives a sufficient amount of energy, and the level of the hormone insulin, necessary to maintain a normal amount of sugar in the blood, does not increase significantly.
When consuming simple carbohydrates (sugar, sweets, cakes), a large amount of glucose enters the blood at the same time. In response, a lot of insulin is released, which subsequently causes blood sugar levels to drop sharply, causing muscle spasms.
In order to prevent mineral deficiency, all pregnant women are recommended to take special multivitamin preparations containing all vitamins and microelements in doses that meet the needs of both mother and baby. In addition, it is necessary to include in your diet foods rich in these microelements. Cottage cheese, other dairy products, cheese, and broccoli are rich in calcium. Potassium can be obtained from dried apricots, raisins, beets, baked or boiled potatoes. Nuts in small quantities, buckwheat porridge and legumes are a source of magnesium.
If necessary, additional medications containing calcium (Calcium-Sandoz), calcium and vitamin D (calcium D3), potassium (Asparkam, Panangin) and magnesium (Magne B6, Donat Magnesium mineral water), etc. can be prescribed. Following these recommendations, you must cope with cramps, and they will not overshadow such a wonderful period of your life - the time of waiting to meet your baby.
One of the common complaints made by women during pregnancy is complaints of leg cramps. Why does this condition occur and can it be overcome?
Leg cramps in pregnant women are caused by a sudden contraction of the calf muscles located on the back of the lower leg. Areas of local muscle spasm appear in the form of compactions. Cramps are accompanied by painful sensations in the muscles and the inability to force the outstretched toe of the foot towards oneself by force of will. More often, this condition occurs in the evening or at night while lying down. At the cellular level, this process is associated with an increase in the excitability of muscle cells, due to which muscle contraction occurs.
Cramps in the calf muscles can be caused by many factors: a deficiency of microelements, primarily magnesium and calcium, vitamins D and B6 ; iron deficiency anemia is often a predisposing factor for their occurrence.
During pregnancy, an additional burden is placed on a woman's body. The volume of circulating blood increases, venous outflow from the lower extremities becomes difficult, the water-electrolyte balance changes, and the need for minerals increases. Therefore, it is often during this period that an imbalance of macro- and microelements occurs, in particular magnesium and calcium, and vitamins D and B6 , which take an active part in the absorption of the above minerals.
Magnesium deficiency is one of the causes of calf muscle cramps, which is associated with an increased need for this microelement during pregnancy, especially against the background of previous pathological conditions, for example, prolonged emotional stress, diseases of the digestive system. Magnesium deficiency also occurs with increased excretion of this element from the body due to vomiting, diarrhea, and diabetes. The need for magnesium during pregnancy increases due to an increase in circulating blood volume, fetal and uterine growth. After all, by the end of pregnancy her weight reaches 1 kg versus 100 g of the non-pregnant uterus.
Most often, the development of magnesium deficiency is promoted by an unbalanced diet, including insufficient consumption of fresh vegetables and fruits, meat, fish and dairy products.
Some medications used by pregnant women also make it difficult for the body to absorb and absorb magnesium. For example, antacids, such as Almagel and Maalox, used to treat heartburn, envelop the gastric mucosa and protect its walls from the aggressive action of hydrochloric acid, while simultaneously slowing down the absorption of vitamins and microelements. Insulin and aminophyllin promote the release of this mineral from the cell (magnesium normally functions inside the cell). In terms of content in the body, magnesium ranks fourth after sodium, potassium, calcium, and in terms of content in the cell it ranks second after potassium. Magnesium regulates the transport of potassium and calcium through the cell, and also independently participates in energy exchange processes. In this regard, microelement deficiency is manifested by various symptoms, including increased excitability of muscle cells. Clinically, this is expressed by muscle twitching, cramps, tics, pain in the neck and calf muscles. The magnesium content in the blood serum of pregnant women is determined by a biochemical blood test and is in the range of 0.8-1.05 mmol/l. However, it should be borne in mind that the level of this trace element in the blood can remain within normal limits even with a decrease in the total amount of magnesium in the body due to its release from reserves in bone tissue. Both drug therapy and a diet that includes foods high in magnesium and vitamin B6, or, as it is also called, pyridoxine, help restore the physiological level of magnesium in the body . Magnesium and pyridoxine are closely related. As a rule, a deficiency of this microelement is accompanied by insufficient levels of vitamin B6 in the body .
The highest magnesium content is found in fresh fruits, vegetables, parsley, dill, and green onions. When canning, drying, drying, the concentration of the mineral decreases slightly, but it is much less absorbed in the body. Therefore, magnesium deficiency is less common in summer than in cold periods.
The concentration of magnesium is high in fish and seafood. Pyridoxine is found in large quantities in unrefined cereal grains, vegetables, fish, meat, milk, cattle and cod liver, and egg yolk.
Drug treatment for long-term latent magnesium deficiency begins with preparations containing magnesium with vitamin B 6 , in the presence of which the absorption of the microelement improves. Replenishment of the mineral level occurs no earlier than after two months of treatment. When taking medications containing magnesium, it must be taken into account that after 18 hours, the absorption of magnesium from the digestive tract due to its biochemical characteristics decreases. Therefore, medications that contain magnesium are best taken in the first half of the day. Another feature is that its absorption by tissues increases during light physical activity and decreases when leading a sedentary lifestyle.
However, it must be borne in mind that there are diseases for which magnesium supplements cannot be taken. Such conditions include renal failure, decreased thyroid function, a tendency to blood clots, and adrenal insufficiency.
The following exercises are great for improving blood flow from the lower extremities.
Calcium is another micronutrient whose deficiency is a common cause of calf cramps. Calcium plays a key role in protein, mineral, energy, and fat metabolism. It is necessary for the processes of transmission of nerve impulses, contraction of skeletal and smooth muscles, activity of the heart muscle, formation of bone tissue, and blood clotting. Calcium is absorbed in the body only in the presence of magnesium. During pregnancy, especially in the last trimester, the need for this macroelement increases 2-3 times, because it is involved in the formation of fetal bone tissue. Therefore, if there is insufficient intake from food, it is “washed out” from the bones. Some foods, such as those containing caffeine, and iron supplements slow down the absorption of calcium.
Replenishment of mineral deficiency during pregnancy is carried out by consuming foods rich in calcium and vitamin D, and taking medications containing calcium with vitamin D. Milk, fermented milk products, cheese, and cottage cheese are rich in calcium. Vitamin D is found in large quantities in the liver of fish, primarily cod, as well as butter, egg yolk, and milk. It is very important to spend enough time in the fresh air, as moderate amounts of ultraviolet rays help the skin produce its own vitamin D, which is necessary for the absorption of calcium. Expectant mothers should take vitamin D and calcium supplements throughout pregnancy, starting at 12 weeks. The intake of medications and vitamins is decided by the doctor on an individual basis based on the health status of the individual patient. It is better to take vitamin D and calcium supplements in the evening, when their absorption by bone tissue increases. For the purpose of prevention, it is enough to take multivitamin complexes, which contain the vitamins and microelements necessary for a pregnant woman. However, if we are talking about replenishing the lack of calcium or magnesium, then it is preferable to use preparations containing the missing microelements, because they additionally contain substances, in the presence of which the absorption of minerals improves.
However, there are a number of conditions for which vitamin D supplementation is contraindicated. We are talking about increased sensitivity to cholecalciferol (one of the forms of vitamin D), hypervitaminosis D, increased calcium levels in the blood and increased excretion in the urine, urolithiasis with the presence of calcium stones and some other diseases.
Calf muscle cramps can be a consequence of severe anemia, a condition in which the amount of hemoglobin in red blood cells (red blood cells) is reduced. During pregnancy, a deficiency of iron, which is part of hemoglobin, often occurs. Iron is found in the body not only as part of blood hemoglobin. In muscle tissue it is represented by myoglobin. With the help of myoglobin, the muscle provides itself with oxygen. Therefore, with oxygen starvation, which develops with anemia, the metabolism of mineral substances is disrupted. An external manifestation of such trouble will be leg muscle cramps.
The average daily diet contains up to 10-20 mg of iron, but no more than 2-2.5 mg of this can be absorbed. Therefore, it is impossible to cure iron deficiency anemia with a diet consisting of iron-rich foods alone; it requires taking iron-containing medications, which contain components that enhance the absorption of the mineral. Anemia should be treated with iron supplements for at least three months, since a normal level of hemoglobin in the blood does not mean restoration of iron reserves in the body. Multivitamin complexes, which also contain microelements, are excellent for preventing anemia.
To alleviate the condition during cramps, it helps to rub the calf muscles and massage them with your hands in the direction from the periphery to the center with kneading movements directly during an attack, as well as bringing the toes of the clamped foot towards you with the help of your hands. After the pain subsides, you should walk around.
Often for the first time during pregnancy, women experience symptoms of varicose veins. Varicose veins of the legs are observed in 20-40% of expectant mothers. In the early stages of pregnancy, this is associated with hormonal influences. Slightly more often, the pathology first manifests itself in the second half of pregnancy. The uterus increases in size, resulting in compression of the inferior vena cava or iliac veins and an increase in venous pressure. The background is a hereditary violation of the elasticity of the venous wall. In the initial stage of the disease, a woman pays attention to a cosmetic defect in the form of a spider vein. Later, complaints appear about a feeling of fatigue, heaviness in the legs and their swelling after prolonged standing or in the afternoon, especially with the onset of heat. Cramps of the lower extremities begin to bother me.
The only way to prevent the progression of varicose veins during pregnancy is to wear compression tights or bandage your legs with an elastic bandage. You need to put on tights (just like bandaging your legs) in the morning without getting out of bed. Tights are worn without taking off all day. It is recommended to sit or lie down periodically throughout the day. The legs should be given an elevated position. Contrasting dousing the area of the legs and feet with alternately hot (38-40°C) and cool (18-20°C) water helps a lot. Finish dousing with warm water, and rub your feet well with a towel.
The inferior vena cava, into which vessels carrying blood from the lower extremities flow, runs to the right of the spine. An enlarged uterus, especially after 30 weeks, begins to put pressure on it. This situation occurs when a woman lies on her back or right side. In this case, the outflow of blood from the legs is disrupted and the same mechanism is triggered as with varicose veins. This is accompanied by the appearance of cramps in the calf muscles, to prevent which in the last months of pregnancy it is better for a woman to sleep on her left side, placing a pillow under her right buttock, on which part of the body weight will fall.
In addition to the accompanying complaints characteristic of each disease, a number of blood indicators will help to identify the cause of seizures. This is, first of all, determining the level of hemoglobin, color index, serum iron, and the content of basic microelements. If varicose veins are suspected, Doppler ultrasound and consultation with a phlebologist or vascular surgeon are required.
In conclusion, I would like to note that maintaining a healthy lifestyle, a balanced diet, taking multivitamins and microelements, and moderate physical activity minimize the unpleasant sensations that may accompany a woman expecting a child and contribute to the physiological course of pregnancy.
Hello, dear readers! In the article we discuss cramps in the calf muscles - causes, treatment, prevention. By applying our recommendations, you will be able to provide first aid to yourself and your loved ones for leg muscle spasms, relieve pain in the calf muscle, and also prevent further occurrence of muscle spasms.
Most people have at least once experienced the “cramped leg” condition; they are familiar with the pain of a sudden cramp. Some people experience this condition more often than others. At such moments, the muscles experience an involuntary, prolonged contraction, which is accompanied by severe pain.
It happens that in a state between cramps, the calf muscle or foot muscle cannot completely relax and the muscle pain does not go away for several days.
Such a cramp can occur not only while awake, but also at night during sleep.
To prevent such conditions or quickly eliminate them, it is important to know about first aid, causes, and treatment.
Treatment of cramps in the leg muscles is based on the causes of their occurrence, so first we will discuss why the muscles cramp. The main causes of seizures are:
Often the cause of leg muscle cramps can be an unusual load for them. The calf muscle is involved in all types of vertical movement, sports and outdoor activities - walking, swimming, skiing, squats, volleyball, running, jumping, etc.
A long walk or an episode of intense physical activity combined with a habitual sedentary lifestyle can trigger a cramp.
Cramping during exercise can be a result of dehydration. Excessive sweating leads to loss of potassium and calcium through sweat.
If, after unusual physical activity, the aching pain in the muscle does not go away for several days, then we can talk about a mild strain of the calf muscle.
When the calf muscle is severely stretched, acute pain immediately occurs, which significantly intensifies after the action that caused it is repeated. In this case, you need to contact a traumatologist who will prescribe conservative treatment for the sprain.
A rupture of the calf muscle, its tendon or ligaments is always accompanied by a characteristic sound, similar to a cracking or clicking sound. The rupture is followed by acute pain and loss of the ability to move the foot and stand on the leg. This condition requires urgent surgical traumatological care.
High heels or uncomfortable shoe lasts that force the foot to remain in an unnatural position for a long time can provoke cramps.
If your legs cramp after wearing just such a pair of shoes, stop wearing them - this will eliminate the cause of the spasms.
It happens that your legs cramp due to temporary pinching of blood vessels by uncomfortable clothing: too tight elastic on socks, tight jeans, etc. Wear comfortable clothes that do not compress the body.
Cold weather conditions, wet shoes from rain or snow can also cause involuntary muscle spasms.
Often cramps in legs when swimming in cold water of a pool or other body of water. Cold leads to spasm of arterial, venous and lymphatic vessels, which in turn complicates and slows down all metabolic processes in tissues.
Such disorders are caused by changes in the structure of the skeleton:
In these cases, the leg joints are not in the correct physiological position. The altered position of the bones causes the incorrect position of the muscles and the vessels and nerves that feed them, which are attached to the bone base.
In more complex cases, the cause of disruption of nerve impulse transmission may be:
Such cases are considered individually at an appointment with a neurologist, who will select effective treatment.
Causes of blood flow disturbances may also include:
Metabolic changes can also cause calf muscle cramps. Treatment of each case of metabolic disorders is individual.
These are various states:
All these conditions require either replenishment of the deficiency of microelements in the body, or constant and often urgent medical monitoring and treatment.
The causes of cramps in the calf muscles are very diverse, as we have already seen.
Nighttime calf muscle cramps can have the same causes that we discussed above. But they can also be caused by a temporary disruption of normal blood circulation in the legs due to an uncomfortable body position during sleep.
Both the above reasons and toxicosis can cause cramps during pregnancy.
This is the cause of cramps in the calf muscles. Treatment and constant monitoring by a gynecologist in this case is simply necessary.
“The leg cramped” is a condition that forces you to take urgent measures. Several simple methods can help relieve spasms and get rid of pain.
You can stretch the calf muscle like this: stand up to your full height, put your foot on your heel, lift your toe off the floor, and transfer your body weight to this leg. Thus, we voluntarily and consciously make a movement opposite to the spasm. We wait a little in this position, and the spasm goes away.
Pressing the calf muscle is also effective. Feel the muscle that is cramped. It will feel very dense to the touch. Press firmly on it with your thumbs, clasping your leg with your hands in a ring. Press, hold for a few seconds, release the pressure, then press again. A series of such movements will relieve the spasm.
You can also stretch the muscle. This should be done with force, and not “stroking”. Grasp the calf with both hands, as if you want to pinch the calf muscle, from the outside or from the inside. Using pressing movements, massage the lower leg up and down until the spasm goes away.
Any of these manipulations effectively relieves cramps in the calf muscle.
It is often suggested to prick the leg with a needle to create a stronger pain sensation “to switch” the nervous system. You can also “beat” a cramped muscle with the edge of your palm, but it is better to apply pinpoint pressure or knead the muscle.
After the spasm passes and the pain subsides, massage your legs. Massage stimulates blood circulation, promotes the removal of metabolic waste from tissues, and relaxes muscles.
It is useful to lie down for a while with your legs elevated to improve venous outflow or give your leg a little physical activity to “get the blood going.”
Warm your feet, dress warmly, wrap your feet in a blanket, take a hot foot bath.
In the medicinal treatment of frequent severe seizures, doctors use magnesium and potassium preparations, and for special indications - anticonvulsants.
Do not use anti-seizure medications unless prescribed by a doctor.
Now you know about the causes and treatment of calf cramps and can easily cope with them. Good health and good health to you. Click on the social network buttons and share useful information with your friends.
Cramps are muscle contractions that occur voluntarily. At this time, a person experiences severe cramping pain in the lower leg and foot. Very rarely, cramps of the arms, neck and other leg muscles are observed. Pregnant women suffer from this pathology mainly at night or in the morning. These manifestations are most active in the second half of pregnancy. During this period, the fetus grows, and its need for microelements also increases.
There are many reasons why cramps develop during pregnancy. Let's consider the main ones:
Toxicosis. At this time, the woman’s body is weakened, which reduces the absorption of nutrients. This is explained by the fact that with toxicosis the patient eats very little and monotonously, and the food that does end up in the stomach does not always stay there for a long time.
Lack of calcium. This element is removed in large quantities from the body during toxicosis. In the third trimester, when the baby is growing rapidly, this building material is taken away from the mother. Doctors say that a lack of this substance provokes leg cramps.
Glucose deficiency. Very often during pregnancy, a woman’s blood sugar levels may drop sharply. This is facilitated by: unhealthy diet, late large meals, snacks.
Varicose veins. The situation becomes complicated because the fetus puts pressure on the veins that are located in the pelvis. For this reason, blood circulation in the legs is weakened, and in the groin, blood circulates faster and the load on the capillaries and large arteries increases. Since the woman’s body cannot cope with the situation on its own, swelling may increase, a feeling of numbness and cramps may appear. The problem may become more serious if the patient leads a fairly active lifestyle (permitted by the treating gynecologist) and does not gain excess weight.
Bad habits, drinking large amounts of tea and coffee. Everyone knows that nicotine contributes to the development of oxygen starvation, which leads to cramping of the legs during pregnancy. If a woman drinks a lot of coffee, dehydration of muscle tissue may occur, which provokes spasm of blood vessels and muscles (especially at night).
Use of diuretics. Even when prescribed by a doctor, these drugs may not be safe. Although they remove excess fluid, they at the same time “take away” microelements. This is one of the reasons why the calf muscles can cramp.
Also important reasons for the appearance of muscle spasms are considered to be a decrease in hemoglobin, excess lactic acid and lack of magnesium.
Cramps in pregnant women can occur not only in the legs. There are times when my arms and even my stomach cramp.
Cramps during pregnancy in the arms occur for the same reasons as in the calf muscles. Most often, women who are forced to perform monotonous work during pregnancy (writing on a computer, playing a musical instrument, or peeling potatoes) are susceptible to this pathology.
To prevent cramps, you need to properly organize your work and give your hands a rest from time to time. During this period they need to be stretched. Frequent repetition of a spasm should alert you and force you to consult a doctor, because a seemingly harmless symptom may indicate neuropathy or heart problems.
Often cramps during pregnancy occur in a woman's abdomen. This fact frightens patients very much, but they do not always panic for a reason. In most cases, these are just involuntary contractions of the uterus, which are the norm during this period. The exception is spasms, which are accompanied by bleeding, poor health and weakness of the woman.
In the early stages, the stomach, contracted in mild spasms, signals the attachment of the fertilized egg to the walls of the uterus and the beginning of its growth. It is worth noting that these symptoms are so minimal that no woman can feel them.
Only from the 20th week can pregnant women feel weak contractions, which are the preparation of the uterus for the future process of childbirth. They do not pose any danger, but their frequency must be monitored. Their frequent occurrence, back pain and discharge may indicate uterine tone or the risk of miscarriage.
Most often, the number of cramps increases in the third trimester, when the child is growing rapidly and requires a large amount of microelements necessary for its functioning, and the mother’s body very carefully begins to prepare for an early birth.
Pregnant women should only sleep on their left side to avoid cramps. Prolonged lying on the right side or back can lead to compression of the vena cava and poor circulation.
A pregnant woman can provide first aid for leg cramps herself. To do this you need:
After you have managed to overcome the pain, you can get up and walk around a little to improve blood circulation. If during pregnancy your calves cramp, it is necessary to carry out prevention. To do this, you can regularly massage the lower extremities and take a contrast shower before bed.
In some cases, cramps may indicate the presence of certain complications in a pregnant woman. If they appear, you must consult a doctor to determine the specific cause and select the necessary medications.
To establish a more accurate diagnosis, the doctor may recommend undergoing additional research from the following specialists:
If these specialists do not find serious causes, then the gynecologist prescribes measures that will help reduce unpleasant manifestations. Let's look at some recommendations:
To prevent cramps in pregnant women, it is necessary to perform minimal physical exercise (after permission from the treating gynecologist). Exercises should be done regularly, 8 repetitions for each exercise.
It is important to include complex carbohydrates in your diet, which include buckwheat and oatmeal, wholemeal baked goods, fruits and seasonal vegetables. The breakdown rate of these products is low, so they provide a constant, slow release of glucose into the blood. As a result, the levels of insulin and glucose in the blood are at the required level.
A woman's diet should be filled with foods that are rich in minerals. If necessary, your doctor may recommend taking medications that include calcium, potassium, vitamin D, and magnesium. Only the doctor determines the required drug and dosage. By following his recommendations, you can not only reduce the manifestations of muscle spasm, but also get rid of it completely.