Pregnancy Basics Published August 26, 2012 Replaces the legacy article cramps

Leg Cramps in Pregnancy

Leg Cramps in Pregnancy

Content

When your enlarging uterus places pressure on certain nerves (as well as a shortage of calcium), you may experience leg cramps or pains, which are more common in the last half of pregnancy.

Elevate your feet whenever possible and avoid crossing your legs.

You may try massaging and stretching your calf muscles before bed.

Add more calcium and potassium to your diet to prevent leg cramps.

When a cramp hits, straighten your leg and gently massage it until the pain lets up.

Apply a heating pad or a hot water bottle to the sore area.

Call your doctor or midwife if it doesn’t get better, because the cramping could be a symptom of something more serious.

more Pregnancy Discomforts

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Educational information only. This guide does not provide medical advice and is not a substitute for care from a qualified provider.