How can I stop leg cramps at night?

[elskovs]

It hurts so much, worse than the worst bit of labour. I didn't have it with the first 2 pregnancies. Im 32 weeks and woke up the last night screaming in pain. Scared everyone and felt so traumatised afterwards. Cant walk without limping or drive. Had to get a taxi to do the school run.

What on Earth is this?? Is it cos Ive porked it on this time around? Is it dangerous? Im scared to go to sleep tonight

I had this. A few sips of tonic water worked for me.

Yes was going to say my midwife recommended tonic water. She looked disapproving when I asked if gin was also recommended...

Thanks, Ill get some.

Sounds silly but my yoga teacher always suggests putting some corks in bed by your feet for cramp and although I've not needed to try it myself some others have sworn by it saying it really works. Something to do with the cork being 'alive'?! Probably an old wives tale but might be worth trying!

I used to get them if I stretched my legs with toes pointed (like a ballerina). I used to do this in the morning, in bed, without thinking. Now I stretch with toes pointing up (more towards my head) and it prevents the cramps.

I agree they're incredibly painful. Good luck with the rest of your pregnancy!

Total cure - About half a litre of Indian tonic water in the evening before bed. It has to be the real stuff with quinine in it.

Cramps can be nutrient deficiency, magnesium or potassium are usually blamed. Eat foods high in these (Banana for example).
Quinnine (I drink bitter lemon) and stretching the right way (as PPs say) also seem to work.

Same "cures" seem to work against restless legs too.

Pointing toes/feet upwards (towards body ) rather than downwards worked for me

I realise this is a zombie thread.
But I have to add that as someone who has been utterly plagued and tormented by leg and foot cramps at night, the corks in the bed worked for me.