Leg cramp

[Bunnychan]

Hi ladies,
Last night I woke up with the worst muscle cramp in the back of my left calf. It was around 3 am but the problem is that it's still really uncomfortable. Has anyone else had this? Do I need to worry about this? I'm 26+2 x

I had this virtually every night for about four weeks during my first pregnancy. The cramp was so strong it would wake me up.

Nothing at all this time.

It's very common though. Google "legs cramps in pregnancy" and there are some good tips to help deal with it. The main one, however, is "give birth".

I had this too! I've had cramp before but not as painful as the calf cramp while pregnant.

Personally, I'd prefer to give birth again than feel the leg cramps

Good luck with the rest of your pregnancy!

I've had this sooo bad I was shouting and my partner jumped out of bed thinking I'd gone into labour, ached for about 2days after, like a pulled muscle

That's exactly how it feels! Like a pulled muscle! Bloody pregnancy! Lol x

Yes, it is so excruciating! Absolute agony. Since the first time it happened I've been drinking a glass of tonic water before bed and that has worked - the one time I forgot, I got cramp again! Hope you find something that works for you.

As other posters have said, it's very common - nothing to worry about (nor is the fact you can still feel it) but it's SO painful. I had it one night really badly and swore never again!

I tried every remedy I could find suggested, which included
? Tonic water (as already mentioned)
? Bananas (for the potassium I think)
? Eating more calcium
? Taking magnesium supplements
? Stretching calves out before bed
? Having a hot water bottle on your calves in the night to keep the muscles warm

I've been eating/taking/doing all of the above most days and have only had mild cramps once or twice since. Can't say which is the thing (if any - could be pure coincidence that the bad cramps didn't return) that has worked though - I'm not risking it by giving anything up!

deficiency in magnesium/potassium. i take high dose magnesium citrate anyway, was doing so before i got pregnant and will continue as baby will take everything it needs first and i dont want to get depleted. magnesium is also calming so brilliant to help with sleep!