Why does it reduce legs and calves during pregnancy - how to deal with it. Bringing legs together during pregnancy: a very common and frightening symptom. Causes, diagnosis and treatment of leg cramps during pregnancy

Pregnancy is a special time when a woman carries her child, protecting him from the adverse influences of the outside world. And every expectant mother wants the expectation of the birth of a baby to become as comfortable and joyful as possible. But this is not always the case.

In a woman's body, the course of many processes changes, which cannot but affect her well-being. There are a lot of new sensations, but most of them are still unpleasant. For example, quite often you can hear complaints that during pregnancy it reduces the legs. Why this happens and how to eliminate such a symptom are important questions that concern expectant mothers. But the answers to them lie in the competence of the doctor.

Causes and mechanisms

If your leg is cramped, then one thing can immediately be said: the reason for this is a muscle spasm or cramp. And it is no coincidence that the lower limbs suffer, because it is they who experience a constant load. And most often we have to state the tension of the calf muscles, as the most involved in everyday life. It can also bring legs together in the normal state, and during pregnancy the situation only gets worse.

In order for a muscle to spasm, several moments are necessary. The first is associated with her intense work and fatigue, and the second is metabolic disorders, affecting mainly calcium metabolism. It is this element that provides uneven muscle conduction and alternation of the processes of contraction and relaxation. A separate effect is exerted by vascular disorders accompanied by tissue hypoxia and other disorders. These mechanisms are just present during pregnancy in the form of the following factors:

• Micronutrient deficiency.
• Varicose disease.

These reasons are somehow related to the bearing of a child, but some conditions stand apart. For example, in parallel with pregnancy, thyroid dysfunction and hypoparathyroidism can be observed, which can have a significant impact on calcium metabolism in a woman's body, and, consequently, on the condition of the muscles.

The reasons for which reduces the muscles of the legs are directly related to pregnancy or have a different origin.

Symptoms

During the bearing of a child, a woman may notice various sensations, but the doctor needs to highlight exactly those of them that will help determine the cause of muscle spasms. First, the woman is interviewed with the fixation and detailing of the complaints, and then it is necessary to conduct an examination and an objective examination. This forms the basis of the initial diagnosis. And considering cramps in the calves of the legs, you need to establish all the characteristics of the symptom:

• How intense: weak, moderate, strong.
• When they occur: after exertion, at rest and at night.
• What are the duration and frequency: short-term or long-term; intermittent or nearly constant.
• Where they are localized: only in the lower extremities (unilateral or bilateral) or cover other parts of the body.

Of course, this symptom may be the main one, but not the only one. And you need to highlight the accompanying signs associated with it.

Micronutrient deficiency

It is known that during pregnancy, the woman's body's need for all nutrients, including trace elements, increases. It is the growing fetus that requires their regular intake. But not all women have the opportunity to fully eat, which creates conditions for various deficient conditions, including calcium deficiency. This may present with the following symptoms:

• Cramps of the calf muscles.
• dental caries.
• Dryness and dullness of hair.
• Brittleness and delamination of nails.
• Insomnia, irritability.

This problem can be a harbinger of obstetric pathology in the second and third trimester, for example, preterm labor or preeclampsia. The latter condition has rather serious consequences, because in a severe case it often turns into eclampsia. And then convulsions of the whole body are already observed with a significant deterioration in the condition of the fetus and even its death.

To prevent adverse events, it is necessary to detect calcium deficiency in time and compensate for the lack of trace elements in the body.

When carrying a child, especially in the later stages, the load on the lower limbs and, accordingly, their muscular system increases significantly. Even normally, a woman's weight increases by at least 10 kg, and this is already a fairly serious indicator for the skeleton. Contributing factors are also considered:

• Prolonged standing.
• Wearing uncomfortable shoes.
• Flat feet.

It is because of overwork that it often cramps the calves of the legs during pregnancy. This will be accompanied first by pain, and then - when the attack has passed - muscle weakness. But mostly such a symptom occurs after exercise. If it is noted at rest, then another reason should be sought.

Varicose disease

Due to the increased load on the legs during the period of bearing a child, varicose veins of the lower extremities often develop. Hormonal changes also contribute to this, primarily an increase in the content of progesterone, which has a vasodilating effect. Varicose veins will be accompanied by the following symptoms:

• Tired legs in the evening.
• Swelling of the lower extremities.
• The manifestation of dilated veins.
• Convulsive muscle contractions.

If a woman had this problem even before pregnancy, then in the period of bearing a child, it only gets worse. Venous nodes appear, which can become inflamed (phlebitis). And in conditions of increased activity of the coagulation system with the approach of childbirth, there is a risk of thrombosis and even embolism - a dangerous condition in which blood clots can break away from the wall of the veins and spread throughout the body, clogging various vessels: pulmonary, cardiac, brain.

Varicose veins can be a significant problem during pregnancy, especially when complications develop.

Hypoparathyroidism

If it reduces the muscles of the legs during pregnancy, then you need to think about the function of the parathyroid glands. Such a symptom may be a lack of parathyroid hormone synthesis, which leads to a decrease in the calcium content in the blood and, as a result, an increase in neuromuscular excitability. Convulsive contractions can cover various muscle groups:

• Gastrocnemius ("horse foot").
• Forearms ("obstetrician's hand").
• Mimic ("fish mouth", "sardonic smile").
• Chewing (trismus).

At the onset of the disease, the patients complain of numbness, tingling of the skin, "crawling" in the lower extremities. And with a long course, muscle hypotrophy is formed. In addition, there is a risk of spasm of the respiratory muscles, which is a real danger to life.

Additional diagnostics

Important information about why it brings legs together during pregnancy is provided by the results of additional diagnostics. After a clinical examination, the doctor prescribes certain laboratory and instrumental methods that correspond to his assumption. Therefore, a pregnant woman needs to prepare for the following procedures:

• General analysis of blood and urine.
• Blood biochemistry (parathyroid hormone and thyrocalcitonin, total and free calcium, phosphorus, coagulogram).
• Ultrasound of the thyroid and parathyroid glands.
• Dopplerography of the veins of the lower extremities.

Based on the results of the studies, a woman may need to consult related specialists, for example, a vascular surgeon or an endocrinologist. This will make it possible to establish the correct diagnosis and carry out the correct correction of violations.

Treatment

Having determined why muscle spasms occur, it's time to start treatment. As in other cases, pregnant women are shown only those methods that are not able to have a negative effect on the fetus. Therefore, any effect on the body is carefully weighed and controlled by a doctor.

To reduce the load on the lower limbs in the second and third trimester, a woman is advised not to be in an upright position for a long time. You should choose comfortable shoes with a minimum heel, and in case of venous insufficiency, wear elastic knitwear. You can rest with your legs slightly raised, which will improve the outflow of blood.

Diet

During pregnancy, a woman must eat well, observing the recommended requirements. The diet should be complete and varied, meet the daily needs of the body, including all additional costs. With calcium deficiency, you need to pay special attention to the following foods:

• Milk, kefir, cottage cheese.
• Hard cheeses.
• Nuts.
• Legumes.
• Cabbage.
• Sea fish.

It must also be remembered that the absorption of this element slows down in the presence of certain substances, such as oxalic acid or tannin. And they are found in sorrel, spinach, confectionery and flour products, chocolate, tea and coffee. But it is not necessary to refuse the presented dishes, just try not to use them together with calcium-containing foods.

Proper diet for a pregnant woman is an important component of a healthy lifestyle and the prevention of deficiency conditions.

Medicines

To improve and normalize general and local metabolic processes when carrying a child, doctors resort to medication correction. This helps to relax the contracted muscles and prevent their further spasm. In such a situation, the following means are most often prescribed:

• Calcium and vitamin D preparations (Calcemin).
• Venotonics (Detralex).
• Antispasmodics (No-shpa).
• Calming (Sedavit).

If thrombophlebitis occurs, then it is necessary to supplement therapy with anti-inflammatory drugs (Xefocam, Ortofen) and antiaggregates (Lospirin). Local treatment consists in applying ointments or gel (Aescusan, Troxevasin).

Massage

To relax the calf muscles, foot massage helps a lot. It has a warming effect, improves blood circulation in tissues, stimulates venous and lymph flow. Basically, they use the techniques of classical massage: stroking, rubbing, kneading, pressing. But acupuncture (Su-jok), which is part of the structure of reflexology, is also widespread.

Many women are wondering what to do if they cramp their legs during pregnancy. By contacting a doctor, you can get rid of uncertainty and empty worries. The specialist will conduct the necessary diagnostics, indicating the cause of the changes. And according to the results of the examination, he will prescribe a treatment that will relieve discomfort in the lower extremities.

Cramps during pregnancy often disturb women at night, which is associated with the loads carried over during the day and the lack of certain trace elements. Especially often it reduces the legs, arms, facial muscles, stomach already at an early stage of pregnancy, when the body is rebuilt and the woman requires more trace elements, especially iron and magnesium. Leg cramps can also occur during the daytime, which is purely individual for each individual woman.

The causes of seizures during pregnancy may be associated with an increased need for trace elements in the body, as well as against the background of malnutrition, dehydration during preeclampsia, and frequent use of diuretic drugs.

Causes of mineral imbalance

Violation of the mineral balance, when it brings legs together during pregnancy, cramps of the hands and abdomen occur, occurs for the following reasons.

1. Unbalanced diet: a woman during pregnancy may refuse some healthy foods when her stomach hurts, nausea appears. But such a condition can accompany a woman throughout her pregnancy, therefore it is imperative to compensate for the lack of trace elements, otherwise cramping her arms, legs and even her stomach will become more and more painful.
2. Frequent use of diuretics: Edema in pregnant women is very common, and women in an attempt to get rid of them, begin to use all possible safe diuretic drugs. But along with edema, that is, urine, the necessary trace elements are released.
3. Frequent vomiting in early and late toxicoses: along with vomit, as in the case of urine, useful substances are released, like those that came the day before and those that are part of the digestive enzymes.
4. An increase in the need for all trace elements: from the moment of conception, a woman should already provide not only her body, but also her unborn child.

Deficiency of potassium, vitamin B5 and magnesium is the basis for the appearance of seizures at night in pregnant women. At the same time, it can reduce the stomach, legs, muscles of the face and legs. Abdominal cramps can be the cause of indigestion during pregnancy or more serious abnormalities - this is the threat of miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, false contractions, inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary system.

Other reasons for which it can reduce the legs

Why does it reduce legs during pregnancy, when the balance of trace elements is normal:

For some women, cramps in the arms, abdomen and legs are minimal discomfort, while other women suffer from excruciating pain, wake up in the middle of the night and cannot move any parts of the body. In such cases, a number of measures are required to relieve symptoms and alleviate the condition.

With repetition of cramps in the hands or abdomen, it is necessary to consult a doctor to identify the cause, because this can be a symptom of a serious disorder in the body. You can cope with a cramp on your own if you follow the recommendations presented.

What to do when your leg is cramped

First aid for leg cramps:

1. Straighten your toes, even if it causes severe pain.
2. Rub hands, feet, stomach or other part of the body that has been reduced.
3. Squeeze and straighten your toes or folded hands.
4. Take your big toe or hand and pull it towards you.
5. Put a mustard plaster on a flattened area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe arm or leg, but if your stomach is cramped, you should not do this.
6. After reducing the soreness, walk a little, and if your hand has cramped, stretch it with swings and squeezing.

After the cramp has passed, you can massage your arms or legs, stroke your stomach, try a contrast shower. It is necessary to do in order to improve blood circulation, which in the future will become the prevention of seizures.

If convulsions are repeated constantly and only intensify, you should consult a doctor, as self-medication will be ineffective, especially when the stomach is cramping. During the examination, the doctor will carry out diagnostic measures, prescribe medication, vitamin complexes and physiotherapy procedures that will increase blood circulation. If a woman experiences hand cramps during pregnancy, the woman is advised not to wear tight clothes, try not to lie on her hands and sometimes knead them with massage movements. If cramps occur in the legs, a woman is advised to switch to orthopedic shoes that do not squeeze the feet and have a minimum heel of no more than 4 cm.

Prevention of seizures during pregnancy

1. Regularly take a contrast shower to improve blood circulation.
2. During sleep, try to keep your legs elevated, you can put a soft and comfortable cushion under them.
3. When sitting for a long time, perform a light warm-up, walk a little, sit down, and swing your arms.
4. If the cause of cramps during pregnancy is varicose veins, you must wear special anti-varicose tights.
5. Spend more time outdoors, do gymnastics in nature.

A properly constructed diet that replenishes the intake of useful trace elements can also prevent frequent cramps in the arm or leg.

Proper diet - prevention of seizures

You need to eat more foods containing potassium, magnesium, calcium. These are dried apricots, beets, raisins, beans, broccoli and all fresh vegetables and fruits. You also need to add calcium-rich dairy products, nuts, egg yolks, asparagus to the diet. Magnesium can be obtained from carrots, white seeds, green vegetables and herbs.

In some women, the stomach, legs and arms cramp during pregnancy due to a lack of glucose, and in this case, you can deceive the body a little by eating candy, cake, sweet tea. But you should not abuse “empty” carbohydrates, as problems with metabolic processes may arise in the future. This is only suitable for quickly relieving unpleasant symptoms of abdominal, arm or leg cramps.

Pregnancy is different for every woman. But the condition when it brings legs together during pregnancy is known to almost all expectant mothers. Muscle spasms or cramps deliver not just discomfort, but severe pain that cannot be controlled and eliminated until the muscle relaxes on its own.

It is not always possible to name the exact cause of this phenomenon. If the frequency of occurrence of cramps in the muscles of the legs increases, it is necessary to tell the doctor about it. The specialist will not only try to clarify the cause of the condition, but also help correct it so that convulsive leg spasms no longer haunt the expectant mother.

As a rule, convulsions are not an independent disease. It is known that expectant mothers have this problem more often than other people. Legs during pregnancy can be reduced due to circulatory disorders in the lower extremities, excessive muscle stress, or a certain disease.

Causes of cramps in the first trimester

With the onset of pregnancy, many expectant mothers are faced with such a phenomenon as early toxicosis. This condition is most often accompanied by and. Against this background, the woman's body loses a large amount of essential vitamins and minerals. Their deficiency usually leads to a situation when it reduces the muscles of the legs during pregnancy.

In this case, convulsions can disturb the expectant mother throughout the first trimester. To avoid this, it is necessary to consult with a gynecologist leading the pregnancy. The specialist will try to find drugs that will help make up for the loss of the necessary trace elements.

Causes of seizures in the second trimester

Starting from the second trimester, a woman's body begins to spend a huge amount of minerals and trace elements on the development of the fetus. Sometimes this is due not only to the intensive growth of the unborn baby, but also to the uncontrolled intake of diuretics or an unhealthy diet.

To eliminate the cause of this condition, it is necessary to adjust the diet, consult with your doctor about taking any drugs of medicinal or herbal origin that have a diuretic effect and, if necessary, refuse them. Also, a specialist can choose a vitamin and mineral complex to meet the increased needs of the expectant mother and baby in trace elements.

Causes of cramps in the third trimester

In the last trimester, the fetus has already grown noticeably, so it is increasingly difficult for a woman to cope with the stresses associated with daily activities. The problem can be exacerbated by weight gain.

There are usually two reasons why it brings legs together during pregnancy in the third trimester (and they can be combined with each other):

• Varicose veins;
• compression of the vena cava by the enlarged uterus.

Often, the condition when the calves of the legs are reduced appears against the background of varicose veins. At the same time, convulsions are combined with increased fatigue of the lower extremities, a feeling of heaviness in them, especially after physical exertion.

With varicose veins, there is a violation of the outflow of venous blood, which leads to a deterioration in the trophism of the muscles of the legs. This causes an imbalance of microelements in the tissues with the subsequent development of seizures.

Muscles can be reduced due to inferior vena cava syndrome, especially if a woman has or has a large fetus. In this case, the enlarged uterus puts excessive pressure on the inferior vena cava when the pregnant woman lies on her back or right side.

As in the case of varicose veins, this leads to a violation of the outflow of venous blood from the lower extremities. The mechanism of seizures will be exactly the same.

Which doctor should I contact?

The situation when it brings legs together in pregnant women, in most cases, is by no means a harmless and not an accidental symptom. Therefore, it is important to discuss the problem with your doctor. In order to correctly determine the cause of the pathological condition and select the necessary treatment, a woman may be recommended to take tests, consult an endocrinologist, therapist and phlebologist.

If the cause of seizures is a violation of the outflow of venous blood against the background of varicose veins, the expectant mother is sent to a phlebologist. In this case, a specialist may prescribe venotonics to a pregnant woman - drugs that tone the walls of blood vessels and prevent congestion in the veins.

These drugs are available in the form of gels, ointments and tablets. Also, the doctor may prescribe the patient to wear compression stockings.

If there is a suspicion of diabetes mellitus, the expectant mother needs to take a blood test for sugar. Increased may indicate a metabolic disorder, which negatively affects the work of the whole organism, including muscle trophism. The sugar content in a pregnant woman is corrected by an endocrinologist after an additional examination of the patient.

If there are no serious reasons explaining why the expectant mother's calves during pregnancy are not found, the therapist prescribes the woman vitamin complexes designed specifically for pregnant women, for example, Vitrum Prenatal, Complivit Mom and others.

Their goal is to compensate for the lack of trace elements, in particular, magnesium and calcium. Multivitamin complexes can be taken throughout pregnancy, until the birth of the baby.

What to do with leg cramps?

If the expectant mother has a leg cramp, she should not be nervous. It is necessary to perform actions due to which painful muscle spasms will stop. What to do?

To eliminate discomfort:

1. It is necessary to slowly pull the toes of the foot of the leg that cramped towards you. Then relax the leg for a short time and repeat the stretching again. As a result of these simple actions, the cramp should pass.
2. After the spasm has passed, warm up the muscles with a leg massage, hot water, or a heating pad.
3. Walk to restore blood circulation in the leg.

Folk remedies

Folk methods used for cramps in the lower extremities are aimed at filling the lack of trace elements and improving nerve conduction. Traditional medicine recipes can be combined with medicines prescribed by a doctor.

Liquorice root

An infusion of this plant improves the nutrition of the muscles of the lower extremities and tones the nerve fibers, normalizing their conductivity, against which the frequency of seizures is reduced. To prepare the infusion, you need to pour 100 grams of licorice into 500 ml of boiling water, leave to cool completely. Take orally 1 teaspoon of infusion 3 times a day.

Eggshell

This is the richest source - an essential trace element for bone and muscle tissue. To prepare the medicine, you need to wash the shell of a raw egg (not boiled!), Crush it in a mortar to a powder state and add 5 drops of freshly squeezed lemon juice to the resulting slurry. Take the finished product 1 time per day.

Hawthorn

This plant normalizes the work of muscle cells and restores the structure of nerve fibers. To prepare a medicinal decoction, you need 3 tbsp. spoons of grass and hawthorn fruits and 500 ml of water. Bring the broth to a boil, then simmer over low heat for 5 minutes, cover the dishes with a lid and leave for at least 3 hours.

The finished product is taken in a heated form 5 times a day, 2 tbsp. spoons. The duration of treatment is 3 weeks.

Valerian and nettle

The combination of these plants helps to reduce the excitability of nerve fibers and improve the conduction of nerve impulses in the muscles. To prepare a remedy, you need 2 tbsp. spoons of nettle leaves and the same amount of valerian root pour 500 ml of boiling water, leave for at least 10 minutes. It is recommended to drink infusion one glass in the morning and evening.

Prevention

To prevent such an unpleasant situation as leg cramps during pregnancy, it is necessary to pay attention to prevention. Firstly, it should be aimed at preventing beriberi and lack of trace elements in the body.

A balanced diet with sufficient consumption of various vegetables and fruits will help the expectant mother in this. Also, one should not forget about the regular intake of multivitamin complexes recommended by the doctor.

In the article we talk about how it reduces legs during pregnancy. You will find out the causes of the disease at different waiting times for the baby. We will explain how to eliminate cramps with the help of traditional medicine and traditional medicines.

Leg cramps during pregnancy can occur with micronutrient deficiencies

Often, expectant mothers are worried about muscle spasms in the legs, malaise may appear at different periods of bearing a baby. Cramps are accompanied by a pain syndrome that does not go away until the muscles are completely relaxed.

The causes of leg cramps in pregnant women are different and it is not always possible to determine them. Most often, muscle spasms appear due to circulatory disorders in the lower extremities, an increased load on the legs and a lack of minerals - calcium, magnesium and potassium.

Cramps during pregnancy at night in the legs may appear if a woman sleeps in an uncomfortable position. Also, the cause of spasms can be the pressure of the uterus on the inferior vena cava.

If it reduces the muscles of the legs during pregnancy during the daytime, then the cause may be a long stay on the legs and muscle strain. High heels and uncomfortable clothing can also trigger leg cramps.

Causes of seizures in the early stages

The main reason why it cramps legs during early pregnancy is a metabolic disorder and a lack of minerals such as magnesium, potassium and calcium. Due to toxicosis in the first trimester, the body of the expectant mother loses these substances necessary for health. In this case, a woman needs a proper diet and vitamin-mineral complexes.

Causes of seizures in the later stages

If it brings legs together during late pregnancy, this may signal the development of varicose veins. In this case, there is a violation of the outflow of venous blood in the lower extremities and, as a result, convulsions appear.

If it reduces the leg in the thigh during pregnancy, this indicates an increased pressure of the uterus on the inferior vena cava. Therefore, expectant mothers are not recommended to lie on their back or right side, so as not to increase the pressure.

Excess weight and prolonged stay on the legs can also provoke cramps in the lower extremities. In this case, rapid fatigue of the legs and a feeling of heaviness can be observed, especially after physical exertion.

Which doctor to contact

If you cramp your leg muscles during pregnancy, see your doctor

First of all, if it reduces the calves of the legs during pregnancy in the morning, you need to contact your obstetrician-gynecologist. Depending on the symptoms, the doctor may prescribe tests and refer you to a consultation with an endocrinologist or phlebologist.

An appointment with an endocrinologist may be needed if the future mother is suspected of having diabetes. A high blood glucose level indicates a metabolic disorder and, as a result, a lack of magnesium, potassium and calcium.

A consultation with a phlebologist is necessary if varicose veins are the alleged cause of leg cramps. The specialist will select drugs to strengthen the walls of blood vessels and improve blood circulation.

What to do for leg cramps

Expectant mothers ask the question - when she brings her legs together during pregnancy at night - what to do? Special exercises and massage act as first aid.

To relieve muscle tension, first of all, you need to straighten your leg and gently pull your toes towards you. Take a break for 5-7 seconds and relax your leg. Repeat the exercise until the muscle spasm stops. After that, relaxed muscles need to be warmed up. For this, a heating pad, bath or warming massage is suitable.

If you cramp your toes during pregnancy, massage and gymnastics will also help. Perform circular movements with the foot in different directions, pull the toe and heel alternately. After exercise, walk for 5-7 minutes to restore normal blood circulation.

Medical treatment

If it reduces the feet during pregnancy more and more often, you should consult a doctor for advice. Properly selected treatment will help eliminate the ailment and prevent its occurrence in the future. The intake of this or that drug should be coordinated with a specialist, since there are many causes of leg cramps.

First of all, pregnant women are prescribed vitamin and mineral complexes in order to normalize metabolism and restore their balance. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, antispasmodic drugs, for example, No-shpu, as well as sedatives - Sedavit, may be prescribed.

If varicose veins are suspected, venotonics are prescribed, for example, Detralex. If thrombophlebitis joins the problem, it is necessary to take anti-inflammatory drugs - Ortofen or Ksefokam. As a complex treatment, ointments and gels for external use are used - Troxevasin, Aescusan.

Folk remedies

Often, after a muscle spasm, discomfort in the legs remains. To eliminate them, you can use traditional medicine. Consider a recipe for a warming ointment that can be prepared at home.

Ingredients:

1. Mustard powder - 2 tablespoons.
2. Honey - 1 tablespoon.

How to cook: Melt honey in a water bath, add mustard powder and mix until smooth.

How to use: Before going to bed, apply a warming ointment for half an hour, then rinse with warm water. With regular and severe cramps, leave the ointment all night, wrapping your legs with cling film.

Result: The ointment warms up the muscles, relaxes them and eliminates pain.

Lotions with a decoction of horsetail will help eliminate discomfort in the legs. They have a relaxing effect on the muscles.

Ingredients:

1. Horsetail - 2 tablespoons.
2. Water - 500 ml.

How to cook: Grind the herb, fill it with water and put in a water bath. Simmer covered for 30 minutes. Remove from heat, cover with a towel and let steep for 15-20 minutes.

How to use: Dip gauze or cloth into the resulting infusion, wring it out and wrap it around the leg. Make lotions 2-3 times a day.

Result: The tool effectively eliminates pain and relaxes muscles.

Prevention of seizures

As a prevention of cramps in the lower extremities during pregnancy, it is necessary to adhere to a balanced diet and take vitamin and mineral complexes. In order for blood circulation not to be disturbed, the following rules should be observed:

1. Choose comfortable clothes and shoes so that nothing presses or fetters anywhere.
2. The heel must be stable. The optimal height is 5 cm.
3. Use compression stockings for varicose veins.
4. Take baths with herbs and sea salt 2-3 times a week.
5. Sleep on your left side. You can put a pillow under your feet.
6. Walk slowly so as not to increase the load on the legs.
7. Cut down on coffee and strong tea.
8. Do morning exercises, pay special attention to warming up your legs.

Video: how to get rid of cramps during pregnancy

To learn how to do foot massage during pregnancy, watch this video:

What to remember

1. The main reasons why it cramps the calves during pregnancy are metabolic disorders, lack of minerals such as magnesium, potassium and calcium, varicose veins and excessive uterine pressure on the inferior vena cava.
2. Relaxing exercises and massage will help relieve muscle tension.
3. As preventive measures, the expectant mother needs to monitor her diet, not wear high heels and uncomfortable clothes, periodically take relaxing baths and do morning exercises.

Pregnancy is a serious test of the mother's body for strength. With the advent of the embryo, all organs and systems of the female body begin to work with a vengeance. Unfortunately, the bearing of a child does not always go smoothly, and many mothers often face the problem of seizures during pregnancy.

When talking about cramps or spasms, they mean involuntary, most often unexpected, sharp and very painful muscle contraction for a short time. This “petrification” is not subject to our will, so we have to wait out a painful attack, biting our lip. Then the pain in the affected muscle reminds of what happened for a few more days. The expectant mother may be disturbed by cramps in different parts of the body, but the calf muscles most often suffer. Attacks happen mostly at night.

Brings legs together during pregnancy. Causes of seizures during pregnancy

There are serious pathologies, the presence of which is indicated by a number of signs, including convulsions. Such diseases develop in pregnant women due to metabolic disorders. In truth, such disorders are diagnosed in pregnant women very rarely. Basically, the causes of seizures are more mundane:

1. Deficiency of important trace elements.
2. Deficiency of hemoglobin in the blood.
3. Change in blood glucose concentration.
4. Lack of water in the body.
5. Varicose veins.
6. Strong pressure on the inferior vena cava.

Let's analyze each reason.

Convulsions during pregnancy due to a deficiency of important trace elements

Pregnancy leads to a sharp reduction in nutrients in the body, to which the body reacts with the appearance of night cramps. Pathology develops when the ionic balance of the cell and the fluid around it is disturbed.

Here is a list of the most necessary trace elements during pregnancy:

1. Magnesium. When it is not enough, a woman develops muscle pain, irritability, insomnia, numbness of the limbs, and blood pressure “jumps”. On the basis of magnesium deficiency, cases of increased uterine tone may become more frequent.
2. Potassium. With a lack of a trace element, a woman is more prone to depression, gets tired quickly, suffers from constipation and night cramps.
3. Calcium. Insufficient amount of calcium in the body causes tooth decay, inflammation of the gums, nervous disorders, brittle nails, and in some cases causes the development of eczema.

The following conditions cause a total lack of trace elements in the body:

• pronounced toxicosis - useful substances are lost during vomiting, and poor appetite does not contribute to replenishing their reserves;
• uncontrolled intake of drugs with a diuretic effect - trace elements are "washed out" along with the fluid leaving the body;
• malnutrition.

During pregnancy, a woman needs useful trace elements more than ever, and their absence provokes the development of leg cramps.

Decreased hemoglobin and blood glucose levels are the cause of leg cramps during pregnancy

The reason for these changes must also be sought in the diet of the expectant mother. So, the amount of sugar depends entirely on the diet. If a woman has only 2 to 3 meals a day, during which she eats a lot, her blood glucose levels will constantly change. This can lead to the development of many diseases, including seizures.

Lack of water in the body - the cause of cramps during pregnancy

Dehydration of the body occurs not only with errors in the drinking regimen. Caffeine and nicotine are related to excessive excretion of fluid from the body - a passion for caffeinated drinks and smoking can cost the expectant mother's health. Hydration is paramount for a mom and her baby. A sufficient amount of liquid ensures the transportation and full absorption of nutrients and trace elements, as well as the removal of decay products from the body. It turns out that water deficiency also affects the occurrence of leg cramps during pregnancy.

Reduces legs during pregnancy due to muscle stress and varicose veins

If it is necessary to stand, walk and sit for a long time, the expectant mother immediately finds herself at risk for the development of seizures at night. Excessive load on the legs, a sedentary lifestyle and varicose veins cause circulatory disorders, and this often leads to the fact that the calves of the legs are cramped during pregnancy.

Leg cramps due to compression of the inferior vena cava

The inferior vena cava is located under the uterus. As soon as a pregnant woman takes a certain position, an enlarged uterus immediately compresses the vena cava, thus disrupting the outflow of blood.

Having studied and analyzed the causes of convulsions in the expectant mother, we can conclude that in the early stages of pregnancy, the muscles reduce due to toxicosis and malnutrition, and in the later stages, the frequency of seizures is affected by a large load on the legs, varicose veins and compression of the vena cava.

What to do when cramping legs during pregnancy

The expectant mother should notify her doctor, even if she is worried about rare, episodic seizures at night. This is necessary in order to establish the real cause of this unpleasant phenomenon. The specialist will study the accompanying symptoms that a pregnant woman may find in herself, take a blood test and conduct additional studies, if necessary. As soon as it becomes known why the patient cramps her legs during pregnancy, she will be prescribed appropriate treatment.

But what should a woman do when the attack began at night, when there is no way to consult a doctor? You need to learn how to give yourself first aid - this will help reduce pain and shorten the time of the attack.

Here's what to do as soon as the calf muscle is in spasm:

1. Without making sudden movements, gently massage the petrified area on the leg with your hands. At the same time, knead the muscle from the bottom up, squeeze and unclench your fingers. Because of the pain of the attack, it is very difficult to perform this manipulation, but the attack will last longer if this is not done.
2. There is an opinion that convulsions will recede if you prick a muscle with a spasm with a pin. And what to do if at the most crucial moment it is not at hand? It is best to overcome the pain and sit up in bed, then wrap your hand around all your toes and gently pull the foot towards you. The pain will soon subside.
3. When it reduces legs during pregnancy at night, the following method can be used as a first aid: during a cramp, get out of bed, stand barefoot on the cold floor and try to take a few steps, overcoming the pain. The colder the surface, the sooner the spasmed muscle will relax.
4. Probably, many have heard that a cramped muscle needs to be strongly pinched, then the pain will immediately subside. But it’s quite difficult to fulfill this recommendation - spasmodic muscles become stone. But experts in the field of acupuncture assure that at the time of the attack, it is necessary to pinch not the leg, but the area of ​​skin above the upper lip, and then pull it back several times, holding it between the index and thumb. In this place there are special points responsible for muscle relaxation.

Leg cramps during pregnancy. How to relieve muscle pain after an attack

If a woman keeps cramping her legs during pregnancy, she suffers both during a painful attack and after it - the pain in the affected muscle does not let her forget about what happened all day. In order to quickly regain good health, the sore muscle should be massaged with a piece of ice or a cold compress for 1-2 minutes. But there are other ways to get rid of unpleasant sensations.

Treatment of leg cramps during pregnancy with traditional medicine recipes

Traditional medicine offers its own methods of dealing with the effects of seizures:

1. Mustard powder must be combined with honey in a ratio of 2 to 1 and mixed until a homogeneous mass is obtained. The resulting warming ointment is smeared on the legs at night. To enhance the effect, legs can be wrapped with cling film or wrapped in a warm blanket.
2. Horsetail has a relaxing effect - dried grass is sold in a pharmacy. To help your legs, you need to prepare a decoction: 2 tbsp. l. horsetail pour 0.5 liters of hot water, cover the dishes with a lid and hold in a water bath for half an hour. Soak a thin towel or napkin with the finished product and apply it to the sore spot at night. To enhance the effect, traditional healers recommend making foot baths with the addition of horsetail or drinking its decoction.

Treatment of leg cramps during pregnancy with ointments and gels

If a woman often cramps her legs during pregnancy, you need to go to see a doctor. The specialist will recommend effective and safe medicines for the mother and her baby that will help solve the problem.

1. Troxevasin (analogous to Troxerutin). Strengthens cell walls, making their structure denser. Thus, the gel eliminates swelling, and also reduces the likelihood of painful spasms at night. The average cost is 200 rubles.
2. Venitan. It copes well with the consequences of convulsions, qualitatively anesthetizing the affected area on the leg. The average cost is 250 rubles.
3. Heparin ointment. It can be used for varicose veins only on the recommendation of a doctor. The average cost is 80 rubles.
4. Fastum gel. Stimulates and enhances blood circulation in the muscles, has a pronounced warming effect. The average cost is 220 rubles.

Massage and exercises for leg cramps during pregnancy

If cramps occur mostly at night, the expectant mother can try to prevent them with massage and simple exercises. These procedures should be done before going to bed. The pursued goal is to warm up the muscles and increase blood circulation in places potentially unprotected from spasms. Massage consists in the most primitive movements - with the fingertips you need to gently rub and knead the muscles. You need to move from the outer edge of the muscle to the middle. If a pleasant warmth spreads over the leg, then everything is done correctly.

Gymnastic exercises will also help to "disperse" the blood and relax the muscles:

• in 2 - 3 sets 10 times to rise on toes;
• make each leg in turn 3 - 5 shallow lunges forward - this is a stretching exercise;
• turn to face the wall, rest your palms against the wall and walk in place for a while, making sure that the body remains motionless.

Proper nutrition for leg cramps during pregnancy

You can make up for the lack of nutrients in the body during pregnancy with the help of proper nutrition:

• calcium contains such products: processed cheese, cottage cheese, cheese, garlic, nuts, green salad and onions, a variety of greens, all legumes;
• magnesium is found in peas, nuts, beans and various cereals;
• The body will receive potassium from peas, lentils, dried fruits, nuts and potatoes.

How to prevent leg cramps during pregnancy

The main causes of leg cramps during pregnancy at night are a deficiency of useful trace elements and circulatory disorders. If these problems are eliminated, the likelihood of excruciating spasms is significantly reduced. To restore the normal balance of nutrients in the pregnant woman's body, the doctor will select a special vitamin complex containing magnesium, potassium and calcium. And to normalize blood circulation, you can follow the following simple rules:

1. Choose only comfortable shoes with stable and low heels (no higher than 5 cm).
2. Wear loose clothing made from natural soft fabrics. Make sure that the elastic bands and seams of underwear and underwear, socks do not squeeze the body.
3. Shelter at night with a spacious blanket.
4. Relax tired legs with herbal bath and gymnastics.
5. In the presence of varicose veins, support the legs with compression stockings and tights.
6. Sleep on your left side so as not to provoke compression of the inferior vena cava. You can put a small pillow under your feet.
7. Avoid coffee and black tea. Replace these drinks with natural juices, compotes and herbal teas.
8. Quit smoking forever.
9. From time to time pamper your feet with a warm bath with the addition of sea salt.
10. Walk at a leisurely pace every day.
11. Do exercises for the legs before going to bed: just walk on your heels or toes, roll a small rubber ball with “pimples” with your feet.

Convulsions, no matter how often they occur, in themselves do not pose a threat to the expectant mother and fetus. However, if concomitant symptoms appear - edema, numbness in the limbs - a pregnant woman should immediately inform her doctor about this. A woman may need an additional examination, which will help the specialist figure out what's wrong and prescribe the appropriate treatment for the patient in position.

How to deal with leg cramps during pregnancy. Video