Muscle cramps

[booandbumpp]

Last night I woke up with the worst muscle cramps in my calves! I really needed a wee but couldn't move the cramping was so bad. I'm 21 weeks and bump isn't really physically affecting anything with regards to movement yet so I doubt it's that.
Has anyone experienced this and have any tips on how to make sure it doesn't happen again? It eased off after about 5 minutes of painful stretching, by which point I had a painful bladder!

Yes I get these. I stretch my calves regularly and do yoga, if I haven't stretched them for a few days the cramps come back. Also get DP to rub them and try and keep my foot flexed when I sleep, I found having a pointed foot made it worse.

Drink plenty of water. If you get a cramp hold your foot upward/towards you and rub the muscle vigorously as soon as possible, the quicker you can stop it the less likely it will still hurt the following day.

And I second the stretching, keep your legs active, roll your ankles if say at a desk and try and get your legs up once in a while to help the circulation.

It’s been over 10 years since I had this... but I recall being told salt & vinegar crisps help?

No idea if that’s a load of old rubbish or not though 🤷🏻‍♀️

Ooof! I remember pregnancy cramps! Try to ignore the urge to stretch your legs just before waking up.

Bananas are meant to help!

I got this a lot in my last pregnancy but it has been a lot better this time, when I have been taking iron supplements.

Also, as a pp said, resist the temptation to stretch your legs when you wake up!

I was woken by cramp in my calf last night as well. I sometimes get it in feet but it's rare so wasn't expecting it last night. Whenever I get cramp though it's when my feet (or leg last night) are cold.