How can I prevent foot/leg cramps?

[ChangeMyHappy]

Hi,
I'm 32 weeks pregnant and for the last few weeks have been getting really uncomfortable legs at night. A couple of times I've had such an intense cramp that I've literally been half way out of bed in agony before I've even woken up! Actually had to have help pushing my heel to the floor to stretch it out.
Now, over the last few days it feels as though my foot is about to cramp all the time and even trying to massage or stretch it out doesn't ease it.
Can anyone suggest anything I could try?

[0liverb0liverbuttface]

I don't think there is anything...I think it's just a pregnancy symptom. You have my sympathy I had cramp so badly my leg muscles ached for days after.

[ChangeMyHappy]

I had a horrible feeling that would be the case, I was lucky last pregnancy and didn't get any cramps, so a bit unprepared this time-hey ho!

[nenehooo]

Salt! I've always been told that leg cramps are due to a lack of salt and I was getting them really badly on holiday in spain when I was 30-32 weeks. I just made sure I ate lots of crisps to keep my salt levels up and it seemed to do the trick... Have also heard that bananas are good for the pottasium. Hth - they're horrible aren't they?

[AlbaRose]

My midwife recommended magnesium supplements to help with cramping. I usually take them just before bed and it seems to be helping so far

[stargirl1701]

Tonic water. Fever Tree is lovely

[ChangeMyHappy]

That all sounds like a plan...a big bowl of salted cashews and a tonic and lime for me tonight then-just wish I could add a bit of gin!
Thanks :)

[NerdAmigo]

Eat a banana every evening.

[Rowanhart]

I've had cramp on and off. Lasted two hours one night. Horrific.

Just drinking lots of water has helped me.

[Shelium]

mag phos homeopathic tablets (magnesium) work wonders for me. although because I've not suffered for about a month i have stopped taking them at night. have ripped my muscle with a huge cramp last night, as was unable to get out of bed quickly enough due to SPD pain!! stupid body!

[weezl74]

magnesium tablets and deep heat muscle rub applied to the top of my calf muscle (where mine always started) each night before bed sorted mine out :)

[crazyforbaby]

A banana a day works for me - you are right..the cramping pain is baaaad.

[mumnosbest]

flex your foot and put it on a cold wall just before it goes into a cramp. horrible, horrible, worst part of pg!
do flamingos get cramp standing on 1 leg all day?

[GTbaby]

For me it's been two things that have helped. Bananas. Everyday. Have noticed when I skip a few days that cramps come bk.

Other thing is to point toes up towards ur knee, well as much as u can. Ie ur morning stretch, On waking in middle of the night I adjust my position so I'm toes up. If I feel even slightly crampy or stiff I point toes up n my leg relaxes. Think It only works with cramp on bk of ur leg. But has saved me!

[kekouan]

It's potassium deficiency. Everybody else is right - eat bandannas

[kekouan]

Or just bananas. I don't think bandannas will help

[ChangeMyHappy]

GTbaby the cramp has taken hold before I've even woken up though, so I haven't had a chance to stretch it out. Also seems to be spreading up the front of my foot as well, so thoroughly fed up with it!
However, thanks everyone, had a huge glass of tonic and a banana last night and much less cramping. Phew! Think that's going to be very night till 'Snappy' arrives...

[nananaps]

OMG!!! I was about to post the very same thing!!

I was plagued by calf cramps when expecting my son...10 years ago.
I was all smug as i am now 24 weeks and have not had any till a few nights ago.

I Leapt out of bed in AGONY!!!!

For the last 3 days i feel like i have been kicked in the spot where the cramp was. It is very painful even 3 days on!

I dare not stretch my legs in case it happens again.

So, bananas & magnesium suppliments are the answer...cant stand tonic water!

Just to clarify, salt is not your good old fashioned table salt, its the salts that are stored in the blood, magnesium and potassium. Its not the same thing, so be REALLY careful taking in too much table salt on peanuts etc as this may dehydrate you, potentially making you very unwell!

[mumnosbest]

thanks mnhq now i look like a real oddball. i was responding to ^^ post. this is why the option to hide posters wouldn't work on mn.

[Boop33]

I feel your pain ! again i don't think there is much you can do .... i started about the same time and i am now 37weeks and still suffering ! It may just be a case of grin and bear it although i did find that having bath helped a little you clearly cannot sit in the bath all day and night . Lying down makes it much worse but again you have to sleep .....................

Hope it does get easier for you but on the bright side only a few more weeks ............................ xxx