Leg cramps are common in pregnancy and tend to happen in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters. The pain is sudden and can be pretty intense in your calf or foot most commonly happening at night.
Why it happens is not fully known as yet but one hypothesis is that it can be caused by reduced levels of calcium or raised levels of phosporous in the blood.
WHAT TO DO IF GET A LEG CRAMP?
- Try and stretch out your leg
- Massage your calf
- Walk around to try and ease it off
- Pull your foot towards you and avoid pointing your toes
WHAT TO BE WARY OF IF FEEL LEG CRAMPS
If you notice any of the other following symptoms seek urgent medical treatment to rule out the possibility of a DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) which can be life threatening.
- Swelling of the leg and or foot
- Fever
- Bluish colour in the leg
- Change in temperature of the leg either hot or cold
- The pain does not ease
