Leg Cramps

[Singin4Him]

Ok I've been having these cramps off and on in my legs for the past couple days, has this happened to any of you? I'm only 11 weeks along, I thought this happened later on in the pregnancy...? Any ideas on what I can do for it?

 

[Leanna]

Get new shoes, and stand less during the day. You're right, I got them the most at the end of my pregnancy... but it always came on worst on days when I went shopping or something and wore only sandals.

 

[~Mrs. A2J~]

I've been getting cramps in my calf muscles this pregnancy from quite early on. Stretching the muscles seems to help a little bit.

 

[Athene]

Are you drinking enough milk? Some health care people think leg cramping might be due to a calcium ion deficiency. In this pregnancy I'm drinking around 3 large glasses of milk a day and I can count the number of times I've had leg cramps on one hand.
When I have had cramps the best thing I've found is to put weight on my leg, and have a little walk around.

 

[jazzbird]

Ditto the calcium suggestion. I've usually heard that is the cause.

 

[~Mrs. A2J~]

Interesting about the calcium. I don't think it's true in my case though cos I live on milk

 

[Singin4Him]

Well ladies I think you just figured out my problem for me! I HATE HATE HATE milk, it makes me gag! I try to eat other forms of calcium but I know I'm not getting as much as I should. Any suggestions for me since I just milk isn't my choice of calcium intake?

 

[jgonz]

Leg cramps can usually be helped by increasing Magnesium. Magnesium is a natural muscle relaxer, and in combination with Calcium really helps a variety of issues in the body~ especially when pregnant. Sometimes a lack of Potassium in the system contributes to leg cramps too.

The usual recommendation is to eat a banana. You can also take these minerals in capsule or liquid form.

HTH~

 

[Leanna]

LOL I hate milk too... and yogurt. I can stand milk if I add chocolate to it, but it doesn't thrill me. A lot of dark leafy greens are a better source of calcium than milk is anyway. You can also eat cheese. Something I do that is not the best, but better than nothing, is eat Tums (calcium supplement) with my multivitamin (which contains the vitamin D to help me take in the calcium)

I've heard the thing about potassium as well. My dad swears by a banana when he struggles with leg cramps, I'm surprised I forgot about it.

 

[jazzbird]

Well ladies I think you just figured out my problem for me! I HATE HATE HATE milk, it makes me gag! I try to eat other forms of calcium but I know I'm not getting as much as I should. Any suggestions for me since I just milk isn't my choice of calcium intake?

I don't drink milk either. I eat a lot of yogurt, cottage cheese, cheese, spinach...ice cream a couple times a week is okay too. I also buy orange juice with calcium. If you still don't feel you're getting enough, you can always add a supplement to your diet - I would just ask your care provider before you start taking one though.

 

[Linnis]

Eat a banana or baked potato...potassium is a big thing...my DH has gotten leg cramps for not having enough for years.

 

[marciebaby]

When you stretch your legs out (I always stretch in bed in the morning when I wake up without being aware of it), make sure you don't point your toes. Flex you feet instead.

 

[nursejess]

I don't like white milk. I eat yogurt, and drink calcium enriched O.J. or chocolate milk.