Leg cramps in the middle of the night

[Anonymous]

I know that sudden leg cramps/spasms (almost like charlie horses) in the middle of the night are fairly normal in pregnancy but I'm a little nervous because the soreness seemed to stay with me for a couple days. I have a history of blood clots in my legs so initially I was concerned that this is was it was, but then the pain eventually went away on its own (whereas with my previous clots, the pain never went away until the doctors gave me extra anti-coagulants). I'm on blood thinners for the whole pregnancy and I think it's unlikely to get clots while on blood thinners, but still the leg cramps got me and my husband worried. I've put in a call to my doctor's office but have not heard back yet and am sort of nervous about the whole thing.

So my question is: If you experienced a leg cramp in your pregnancy, did the pain/soreness go away instantly or did it just gradually subside over the next few days? Thanks.

[Anonymous]

I get the night leg and/or foot cramps all the time, and for me, whether there is residual soreness depends on how long the cramp lasts, and how severe the cramp is (i.e. how far out of whack my foot is from where it is supposed to be). The longer the cramp lasts, and the more severe it is, the more likely I am to have residual soreness. I've found that extra fluids, and a second multivitamin taken at bedtime (I have Crohn's disease besides and may not be absorbing enough nutrients, including the potassium that keeps the cramps from coming) have helped me keep the cramps mostly away.

Good luck, and I hope this helps.

[Anonymous]

You might want to check into your calcium-potassium balance. My experience has been that if I increase my calcium intake without increasing my potassium (or sometimes other minerals), I get leg cramps. So if you're taking calcium supplements, maybe back off of those a little and add some bananas and oranges to your diet.

[Anonymous]

I agree with 14:39--the residual soreness depends on how long the cramp lasted and how severe it was. One tip: when you feel the first twinges of the cramp, pull your toes TOWARD your knee. It seems to be instinctual to point your toes, but that only makes it worse. Pulling your toes up will stop the cramp quickly.

[Anonymous]

You could try eating a few more bananas and see if that helps. It should have the vitamins you need in an easy-to-absorb form.

[Anonymous]

Try taking a calcium/magnesum or other mineral suppliment at dinner time or before bed. You could also try changing vitamins to one that boasts better absorption. Also, being dehydrated can worsen cramps.

[Anonymous]

Try taking a calcium/magnesum or other mineral suppliment at dinner time or before bed. You could also try changing vitamins to one that boasts better absorption. Also, being dehydrated can worsen cramps.

I found soaking my feet in hot water brought instant relief to the really painful, long lasting foot cramps.

[Anonymous]

Don't worry. Cramps are super common.For charlie horse, getting up immediately and walking a few steps often works for me. For foot cramps, I found soaking my feet in hot water brought instant.

Try taking a calcium/magnesum or other mineral suppliment at dinner time or before bed. You could also try changing vitamins to one that boasts better absorption. Also, being dehydrated can worsen cramps.