muscle cramps

I am in my 6th month and have been getting very frequent muscle cramps throughout the night. As a result I could'nt sleep well. But in order to reduce the cramps I thought of going for a walk which also is not possible as there is swelling and I am literally dragging my feet to walk. Please tell me what I could do. I spoke to a couple of doctors but all they say is walk since I also have varicose veins.


I am sleepy but cannot get over it due to the cramps.

thanks mummy, but I don't know swimming. Is there anything else that I could do?

Yes - take magnesium and zinc supplements, and drink tonic water (quinine component therein) - do not add the gin.

hello, someone help

aquagul...are you talking about cramps specifically in your legs? in your calves? if so, there are some ways to alleviate it....there are some things listed in the 'what to expect when you are expecting' book. what i follow for calf cramps is to flex my foot in toward my leg and then bend my knee a bit in toward my chest when i get these cramps (usually in bed at night). it has helped, as simple as it is. flexing my foot out...i.e. pointing my feet, does NOT help; it hurts me more!


there are some exercises (tiny ones) that you can do before you go to bed which they say helps...also listed in the book, and i can't remember what they are as i haven't need them.


i can't speak to the supplements (magnesium, etc.) although i thought potassium helps cramps...but check with your doc.


walking tends to give me more cramps...particularly downhill walking (hmmm, maybe because the toes get pointed...don't know).


swimming can help....but you don't need to swim, just WALK around in a pool; if feels so good.


finally, make sure you're wearing shoes that aren't helping to cause the cramps.


hope some of this helps you.

thanks, RiceT

cramps in pregnancy can be caused by a variety of reasons.



e.g.

fatigue,

poor circulation due to oedema, pressure from the pregnancy and dilated veins.

inadequate electrolyte replacement esp in hot weather.



ways to prevent cramps

avoid fatigue, rest and raise your legs and often as possible.

some leg/ calf exercises - helps pump blood and fluid

supportive stockings during the day/ when standing

adequate fluid intake, also replace body salts

drink those 'sports drink' can help


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