How to Treat Leg Cramps during Pregnancy with Natural Remedies


There may be a combination of factors predisposing you to leg cramps in pregnancy, especially in the last trimester. The main cause is an imbalance of calcium and magnesium (too little). Your calcium and magnesium reserves take a beating in the second trimester, when your baby’s bones are forming. In a few women, a lack of sodium (salt) can be a factor. Pressure from the enlarged uterus on the nerves supporting the legs and slower circu­lation may also be partly to blame.

Prevention

  • Keep your calcium and magnesium supplement at the recommended dosage, and eat lots of dark green vegetables, grains and seeds.
  • Keep taking your B-complex vitamins, potassium and vitamin E for good circulation.
  • Follow a regular, appropriate exercise routine, flex your calf muscles daily (see below) and do some regular foot circles.

  • Raise the bottom of your bed; put your feet up regularly.
  • Reduce the phosphorus in your diet (less meat, fewer dairy products and no soft drinks).
  • Be sure you’re still getting plenty of protein. Fish, nuts, soy and other legumes are good phosphorus-free sources.
  • Try support hose.
  • Avoid heavy lifting, pointing your toes, and guick movements.
  • Take the celloids (or tissue salts) calcium and magnesium phosphate (3 tablets) before going to bed. These are the most easily assimilated and fast acting forms of these natural minerals.

Cure

  • If pain in the leg does not respond to these remedies, or subside natu­rally, you should see a doctor to explore the possibility of a venous thrombosis (blood clot) in the leg, to which you are more susceptible during pregnancy.
  • Flex your foot upwards towards the knee, and press your heel firmly into the floor, on a hard surface.
  • Stand on a cold surface.
  • Massage the leg (towards the heart).
  • Apply hot wet towels to the calf muscle.
  • Use the essential oil Lavender for faster recovery. After cramping you can be left with sore muscles and repeating cramps for quite a while.
  • Sip tea or fluid extract (a few drops in water) of Cramp Bark, Black Haw, Skullcap or Valerian, every 10-20 minutes, until you recover.
  • If leg cramps are due to a cramped nerve, try osteopathy or St John’s Wort oil in a massage.
  • For better circulation, try Ginkgo herb or Ginger tea (neither to excess).

Filed Under: Health & Personal Care

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About the Author: Andrew Reinert is a health care professional who loves to share different tips on health and personal care. He is a regular contributor to MegaHowTo and lives in Canada.

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