Leg cramps

[Colabottle10]

For the last couple of weeks I've woken with not quite leg cramps, but the feeling that if I didn't stretch my right calf I would cramp, if that makes sense. I soon head back to sleep. Last night though it turned into full blown cramp and my god it was painful! I'm 22+4 and have read that it is a common symptom in the third trimester.

I'm hobbling around this morning as the calf is sore still - anyone else experiencing them and have any top tips for either preventing or helping them pass quickly?

[GreenMarkerPen]

I had them awfully.
what helped was taking magnesium supplements and drinking plenty during the day. ifi got that 'I'm going to get a cramp' feeling in the evening I would wear flight socks in the night (mw recommended that)

[seven201]

It's horrendous!! If you think it's going to happen or has just started you're meant to flex your toes towards you, never point them. Doing stretches and toe wiggles before bed is recommended as is keeping hydrated. I've not heard of the flight socks - I will order some!

[skankingpiglet]

Yeah usually caused by dehydration and/or a magnesium deficiency. I got them very badly last time. A friend gave me a magnesium spray that you squirt on to your calves and rub in, but it didn't make a blind bit of difference. I tried eating a banana a day, and that seemed to solve the problem (I was already drinking plenty).
I have heard people say tonic water worked for them, but haven't tried it myself. If you try this you need to restrict how much you have however, as too much quinine during pregnancy can cause miscarriage. The 'danger dose' starts around 1 litre a day I believe, and that's providing the brand you choose actually contains real quinine, rather than just the flavouring own brand and mid-range brands use. I did find tonic water eased my morning sickness though...