Leg cramps

They suck!!!
I have been woken up to the worst leg cramps ever to the point that I'm screaming at the top of my lungs. My DH already knows what to do and jumps to action to straighten the muscle but it shakes me up so bad,
What can be causing this? Water? Bananas? Help!!!

Re: Leg cramps

It's pretty typical...but so painful! I had that a lot when I was pg with DS. Try increasing your potassium intake...so yes, more bananas. But a lot of it has to do with your muscles just working harder as your pregnant. The good news is it goes away when you give birth.

Re: Leg cramps

I didn't have these with DS but then again, I was not working most of the pregnancy. With this pregnancy, I do long days so maybe that's why?

Leg cramps

Potatoes supposedly have more potassium than bananas so maybe try swapping out another carb for potatoes??

Leg cramps

My mom warned me about these. Haven't happened yet. But she said whatever you do, don't point your toes. She said to flex your foot instead of point.

Re: Leg cramps

Ugh! Yes, I've been getting these too. I gave DH a heart attack the other night. He prob though I was going into labor the way I woke up yelling in pain. My OB said to make sure I'm hydrated, up my calcium, and try eating a banana a day. If it gets really unbearable she said to try those compression socks during the day.

Re: Leg cramps

I have not been drinking much milk at all so that could def be it! I just noticed I really don't have calcium in my prenatals. I'm shocked.

Leg cramps

I had it with the twins, not so much this pregnancy. I found that some extra potassium helped, yes or some warm compresses too. Ouch I feel so bad for you

Re: Leg cramps

I haven't had them for pregnancy yet but I used to get them when I was running a lot. Avocados have almost double the potassium if bananas. Throw that into a smoothie with a banana, some milk an chocolate syrup and it will definitely help. And I agree with the PP, do not point your toes!! Try stretching your legs a little to see if it allieviates it. Good luck!

Leg cramps

Yup this is me. My legs cramp sooooo bad every night. I also get charlie horses. A few weeks ago I got one and woke up screaming and crying. I don't know what helps but if I catch it in time I can make it not be terrible by staying still. AHHHHH- hang in there

Re: Leg cramps

This was my worst symptom when I was pregnant with my twins. Unfortunately, I still get frequent, almost daily, dull leg cramps. Often they prevent me from falling asleep. Increasing potassium never helped me. Hope it's temporary for you!

Leg cramps

Ugh they are awful!! I get them sometimes during the day too, out of no where. I hear upping your potassium and water intake helps!

Re: Leg cramps

I got them a lot with DD#1. With this pregnancy I got them a couple of times but they are gone away thank goodness. I have heard more potassium helps and being hydrated. I would also stretch my calves and massage them a little bit before bed to try and loosen them up before I went to sleep.

Re: Leg cramps

36.5 weeks here and I get them like clockwork starting at 4am.
My nurse swears by compression stockings.
I'm so far along I don't think I'll get them in time so I'm just dealing with it. Usually, I get up, use the bathroom and switch sides with a pillow between my legs. This goes on until it's time to get up at 6:30.

Re: Leg cramps

I get them badly too but my doctor told me it was a lack of calcium in my diet. I have been eating a little more cheese during the day with a glass of milk in the morning and one before bed. We'll see how this helps, I just started.