As everybody knows, during pregnancy, due to the baby's development, the mother's body undergoes many biological and physiological changes like hormonal shifts, leading to body pain, leg cramps, etc.
In later phases of pregnancy, leg cramps mostly happen at night and affect the calf's muscles. So, the cramps might not let you sleep, and inadequate sleep is not good for the baby or the mother. Let's discuss leg cramps during pregnancy and how to deal with them.
Reason Behind Leg Cramps During Pregnancy
Leg cramps are common phenomena that women experience during pregnancy. The following medical reasons cause leg cramps during pregnancy
- Changes in blood circulation
- Pressure on the nerves due to the growing uterus
- Hormonal shifts affect the contraction and relaxation of the muscles
How to Deal With Leg Cramps During Pregnancy?
You must have calculated your due date with the gestation calculator however, to meet your baby, you must clear several hurdles, including leg cramps. Let us discuss a few ways to deal with leg cramps during pregnancy.
- Drink Plenty of Water
Water is very important to stay hydrated during pregnancy. Pregnant women need water throughout the day to keep their bodies hydrated.
- Indulge in Light-Weight Exercises
Do not indulge in fast and aggressive exercises, which may increase the risk of injury to you and your baby. Engage in gentle exercises like stretching and walking, which promote blood circulation. Also, you can do stretches for your calf muscles before going to bed.
- Use Right Footwear
Choosing the right footwear is important as the body undergoes many physiological changes like weight gain and balance shifts. Avoid pointed heels during pregnancy. Instead, use comfortable shoes or sandals to walk.
- Take Balanced Diet
Eating more doesn't work well in providing nutrients, but a balanced diet can. So follow a balanced nutrient chart to ensure you eat nutritious food for your body and your baby. One must include nutrients like magnesium, potassium, iron, calcium, etc., in their diet.
- Massage
While you are having leg cramps, make sure that you elevate your legs to enhance blood circulation and massage your legs, which allows your muscles to relax by improving the blood flow.
- Warm Baths
Warm baths can also help alleviate leg cramps. Soak your cramped legs to relax your muscles, reducing the leg cramps.
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