Leg cramps are one of the complaints that are usually felt by pregnant women, especially in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. However, don't worry because there are ways that pregnant women can do to prevent and overcome them.
Leg cramps will cause discomfort. Not infrequently this also causes pregnant women to be unable to carry out daily activities.
How to Overcome Leg Cramps
Leg cramps during pregnancy are usually caused by an increase in hormones that result in a buildup of body fluids. Due to the influence of gravity, the fluid will collect in the legs, so the feet experience swelling. This condition can cause pregnant women to experience leg cramps. In addition to fluid buildup, leg cramps during pregnancy can also be caused by weight gain.
There are several ways pregnant women can do to relieve leg cramps, namely:
- Do some stretchStretch by slowly straightening your legs. This may initially make the foot sore. But not long after that, the cramps that pregnant women feel will decrease. In addition, pregnant women can also lift their legs for about 15-20 minutes to improve blood circulation. Pregnant women can use pillows or lean their feet against the wall. Avoid turning your ankle in and out when you're cramping, as this will make the cramping worse.
- Foot massageEven though it hurts, pregnant women can slowly massage their feet and relax the legs that feel cramped. Pregnant women can massage their cramped feet using a mixture of essential oils, such as chamomile and lavender.
- Compress with warm waterAnother way that can be done to reduce leg cramps is to compress it using a bottle filled with warm water. This method can reduce tension in the muscles.
Tips for Preventing Leg Cramps
In addition to knowing how to prevent leg cramps during pregnancy, pregnant women should also know tips for preventing leg cramps. Here are some things to do:
- Drink at least 1.5 liters of water per day.
- Consumption of foods rich in
- Take a warm bath before bed to reduce muscle tension.
- Use shoes with the appropriate size and comfortable to use.
- Avoid sitting or standing for too long.
- Maintain weight. Excess weight can increase the risk of leg cramps during pregnancy.
- Take prenatal vitamins or fruits and vegetables that contain calcium, potassium, and magnesium, such as sapodilla fruit and radishes. However, before taking prenatal vitamins, you should consult a doctor first, pregnant women.
- Exercise regularly. Pregnant women can do light exercise, such as walking. However, you should first consult with your doctor about the types of exercise that are safe to do during pregnancy, especially if you have special health conditions.
Generally the leg cramps felt by pregnant women will subside after a while. However, if the cramps do not go away, red spots appear on the legs, and feel warm to the touch, or make it difficult for pregnant women to sleep, you should immediately contact a doctor for further treatment.