Leg cramps during pregnancy

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Leg cramps during pregnancy

Leg cramps affect almost half of all pregnant women.¹ The cause of leg cramps during pregnancy is not fully known, but they may be caused by reduced levels of calcium in the blood or increased levels of phosphorus. Leg cramps are more common in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy and happen most often at night.

There is no evidence proving that increasing your intake of calcium or potassium will prevent leg cramps.¹

If you get a leg cramp:

• Straighten your leg.
• Flex your foot so that your ankle and toes point up (toward your head).
• Massage your calf.
• Walk around to stretch your calf.
• Avoid pointing your toes when you stretch your legs.

Although uncommon, a blood clot can form in a deep vein of the leg (deep vein thrombosis, or DVT) during pregnancy. DVT can be life-threatening and requires medical treatment.

Symptoms of DVT include severe leg pain or tenderness (not cramps), swelling of the leg and foot, and fever. The leg may have a bluish (cyanotic) or pale color and may be either hot or cold to the touch. If any leg pain persists (especially with leg swelling), contact your health professional immediately.

References

Citations

1. Katz VL (2003). Prenatal care. In JR Scott et al., eds., Danforth's Obstetrics and Gynecology, 9th ed., pp. 1–20. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.

Credits

Last updated:	November 30, 2006
Author:	Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH
Reviewed By:	Renée M. Crichlow, MD - Family Medicine, Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman