Pregnancy is a milestone amongst women that is absolutely one of the most exciting phase in womanhood. Carrying another soul inside your body is as humbling as it is difficult. With hormones going berserk and the body undergoing several changes, the problem of leg cramps during pregnancy cannot really be avoided.
The muscles become more tensed towards the second trimester as the baby becomes bigger. Obviously, the growth of the baby cannot be stunted just for a mother not to experience the occasional painful contractions.Primarily, no one really knows why the twitching happens but there are some identified factors that is directly connected with the cramps.
Other than that, leg cramps of pregnancy occur because of the hormones released during pregnancy.The extra weight expands the uterus and impedes blood circulation throughout the body.The pressure made to the uterus and consequently on the nerves and muscles affecting the legs because of the growing fetus is evident.
There is also a hormone called relaxin, aside from progesterone and estrogen that contribute to the weakening of the muscles and joints as well as the bones. The interplay of the different hormones influence the retention of water in the ligaments as well as tissues thereby causing pressure on the joints supporting the legs.
There are also other speculations that discuss that low amounts of calcium, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus contribute to muscle cramps. When the hormones work together, injury is highly possible even with moderate exercises. The release of the hormones, unfortunately cannot be controlled as these hormones are ever-present in shaping up one’s pregnancy.
Although these are only theories, medical experts will vouch for the considerable reduction of leg cramps during pregnancy. Is there a way out to this? Probably yes, with good diet and a religious intake of prenatal supplements, the painful and sudden involuntary contractions can somehow be prevented.
Also, drinking plenty of water will help balance out the electrolytes in the bloodstream. Avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke and trying to abstain from alcoholic and caffeinated and carbonated drinks for nine months will also be beneficial. A glass of milk for calcium and magnesium as well as bananas for phosphorus remain as the top choices.
Additionally, the use of tight-fitting clothes and ill-fitting shoes should also be prevented. You can walk with your high heels after a few months perhaps but for the meantime, wearing the most comfortable fashion wear can really be helpful. With comfy clothes, a good posture is somehow possible. Do not lean on your back to support your bulging tummy, try to maintain a straight back to avoid unnecesary pressure.
At some point you can prevent these cramps from happening if you try to refrain from sitting or standing with your legs crossed for a very long time as these again impede blood circulation. Even with your doctor instructing you on bed rest, you can do minimal exercises by gently stretching your legs every now and then.
Statistically speaking, there is really no way for you to escape leg cramps during pregnancy but thankfully, there are interventions you can employ. If the pain really bothers you though, call your doctor right away.
