Pregnancy Leg Cramps

Whilst there is some conjecture that insufficient dietary calcium or potassium or too much phosphorus from processed meat and snack foods can cause leg cramps, there are no good research studies that support these hypotheses.

Clearly it is a good idea to make sure that you have sufficient calcium in your diet when pregnant otherwise the developing baby may leach the calcium he needs from your bones, putting you at a higher risk of osteoporosis later. However it is unlikely to impact on your prevalence for cramping (nb please discuss any dietary supplementation with your healthcare provider before taking or changing your intake of supplements).

Some studies have indicated that magnesium supplementation may provide some benefits for some pregnant women. eg Young and Jewell (1) showed that magnesium ingested as magnesium lactate or citrate as 5mmol in the morning and 10 mmol in the evening had some benefits. Magnesium taken as dolomite may not be a suitable source of magnesium if it contains high lead levels (again please discuss any supplementation with you healthcare professional).

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What can you do to reduce the incidence of leg cramps

• Stretch calf muscles regularly during the day and before you go to bed
• Avoid standing for long periods of time
• Avoid sitting with your legs crossed
• Exercise - gentle exercise can be beneficial (unless your midwife or healthcare professional has advised otherwise.
• Stay hydrated by drinking water
• Lie on your left side at night may improve circulation.
• Gentle massage to your legs can help reduce swelling in the legs/feet to reduce pressure on the nerves

If you do get a cramp then immediately stretch your calf muscles: straighten your legs and gently pull the toes back towards the shins. Whilst it might hurt at first it will ease the spasm and the pain should go away. Massaging the calf or walking around may also help.

Please note: if there is pain in your legs which is associated with swelling and/or tenderness that does not go away then contact your doctor. In rare cases, a blood clot may have developed that requires immediate attention.

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