Articles

Key takeaways

• Leg cramps are sudden, sharp pains, usually in the calf muscles.
• They are common during pregnancy, often happening at night.
• Staying hydrated and gentle exercise can help prevent cramps.
• Seek urgent medical advice for pain, swelling, or warmth in one leg.

What causes leg cramps during pregnancy?

Leg cramps are a sudden, sharp pain. They usually affect your calf muscles or feet.

These cramps are common during pregnancy. They often happen at night or when you are resting.

Leg cramps happen when the muscles in your leg tighten suddenly. This causes the sudden pain. They are particularly common in later pregnancy.

Several factors can lead to leg cramps:

• The growing pressure from your womb can affect blood flow. This can also lead to swelling in your legs, ankles, and feet.
• Dehydration can also cause leg cramps. Drinking plenty of fluids during the day may help.

Some supplements are promoted to reduce leg cramps. However, there is no evidence that these supplements work. These include supplements with:

• Magnesium
• Calcium
• Vitamin B
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin D

How to prevent and manage leg cramps

You can take steps to help prevent and manage leg cramps. Regular gentle exercise can improve your circulation. Ankle and leg movements are particularly helpful.

Good sleep habits may also help. Try to have a night-time routine and sleep at regular hours. Using a pillow between your knees may help.

Moderate exercise, such as swimming, can be helpful. Walking and stretching your legs can also help.

Consider reducing your caffeine intake. It is recommended that alcohol is not consumed.

If you get a cramp, there are several things you can try to ease the pain:

• Gently massage your legs.
• Use heat pads on your legs.
• Take a warm bath.
• Try distraction techniques, like reading.

When to seek medical advice

It is common to have swelling or discomfort in your legs during pregnancy. This does not always mean there is a serious problem. However, some symptoms need medical attention.

Contact your GP, midwife, or call 111 immediately if you have certain symptoms in one leg. These could be signs of a blood clot in a deep vein (deep vein thrombosis, or DVT).

Signs of a DVT include:

• Pain, swelling, and tenderness, usually at the back of your lower leg (calf) or thigh.
• Pain that is worse when you walk.
• A heavy ache in the affected area.
• Warm skin around the painful area.
• Red or darkened skin around the painful area, especially at the back of your leg below the knee.
• Swollen veins that are hard or sore to touch.

A DVT usually happens in only one leg. It can happen in your arm or tummy if that is where the blood clot is.

Call 999 immediately if you have any DVT symptoms along with chest pain. Also call 999 if you feel breathless. These could be signs of a blood clot in the lungs (pulmonary embolism, or PE).

Signs of a pulmonary embolism include:

• Sudden difficulty breathing or feeling short of breath.
• Pain or tightness in your chest or upper back.
• Coughing up blood.

Speak to your midwife or GP if you have other concerns, such as:

• Leg cramps disturbing your sleep.
• Numbness or swelling in your legs.
• Cramps lasting longer than 10 minutes.