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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Intense calf cramping at night

25 replies

CathyandHeathcliff · 27/08/2018 22:15

I have woken up two days in a row with an excruciating cramping in my calf. I jump out of bed and it only eases off slightly when I place it on the ground, but it’s so so painful.
It was so bad last night, that I’ve had a soreness in that calf muscle all day today.

What can I do? I’m hydrated, I take pregnancy vitamins...

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Swissgemma · 27/08/2018 22:15

Magnésium is what you need!

Original poster

CathyandHeathcliff · 27/08/2018 22:16

And I eat bananas most days.

OP posts:

EvaHarknessRose · 27/08/2018 22:16

It's awful I had it too. I don't know of a cure, sorry. Excruciating and such a shock every time.

Namethecat · 27/08/2018 22:17

When your in bed put your heels into the mattress and point your toes at the ceiling.
Also tonic water is good for cramp ( as it contains quinine )

doleritedinosaur · 27/08/2018 22:18

You need to drink more water. I had it in my first pregnancy & found a thread on here. Upped my water drinking & now even On third pregnancy I don’t get cramping neither do friends who mention it then increase water intake.

doleritedinosaur · 27/08/2018 22:19

Just seen you’re hydrated but drink even more! Supposed to be closer to 3 litres in pregnancy.

Littlebird88 · 27/08/2018 22:19

tonic water

AppleDragon · 27/08/2018 22:20

I had it too. I found walking in fitflop during the day helped. If it's the same muscle that cramps, get your partner to roll a spiky massage ball over it before bed - as hard as you can bear

MidiMitch · 27/08/2018 22:22

I had this - (once I woke up moaning so loud, DH thought I was in labour!) I thought it was from lack of salt.

Original poster

CathyandHeathcliff · 27/08/2018 22:23

@doleritedinosaur I feel like I drink so much water, my craving is currently crunching ice cubes too so I’m eating them all day long as well! I’ve had my iron checked and I’m not anemic, I know it’s a sign, but apparently not for me!

OP posts:

Nothisispatrick · 27/08/2018 22:23

I had this. I found exercise and stretching in the day helped.

scaredofthecity · 27/08/2018 22:26

Calcium with magnesium supplements sorted this for me. If I forgot to take them the cramps came back with a vengeance!
I don't think bananas are enough I've always eaten loads and still needed the supplements.

Original poster

CathyandHeathcliff · 27/08/2018 22:28

Can I take the calcium and magnesium during third trimester? I’m 32+2.

OP posts:

mizu · 27/08/2018 22:39

No help but I had this with my 1st pregnancy - 14 years ago - and it is SO painful. Awful and such a shock to wake up to. I remember struggling to get out of bed to put my leg up against the cold radiator as that was instant relief.

Hope you get some good advice.

doleritedinosaur · 27/08/2018 22:41

I take calcium with vitamin d supplements & im 18 weeks.

Are you definitely sure you’re getting over 2 litres? Not counting tea/juice etc. I bought a half litre bottle & make sure I drink it fully at least 5 times a day.

I’d check with a pharmacist for the magnesium.

GreenTulips · 27/08/2018 22:43

You need to eat the banana at 7/8 pm before bed

portuguesefordummies · 27/08/2018 23:05

That's what worked for me too, banana before bed. Hope it gets better soon!

ferrier · 27/08/2018 23:07

Make sure you're getting enough salt as well as enough water.
When it strikes pull your toes hard towards you. Push your heel away from you.

fridaseyebrows · 27/08/2018 23:11

I had the same thing in both pregnancies. Was seeing physio for SPD and she recommended a magnesium spray / lotion to put on my legs before bed. I got one in Holland and Barrett - pricey but really did the trick. Good luck hope it gets better!

guiltynetter · 27/08/2018 23:13

this stretch before bed! it’s the only thing that’s worked in both of my pregnancies.

‘Calf stretches. Stand about a metre from a wall. With your feet flat on the floor, lean forwards with your arms outstretched to touch the wall. Hold this position for five seconds, then release. Repeat for five minutes, three times a day, especially before going to bed.’

Ollivander84 · 27/08/2018 23:14

Better you magnesium spray. It can be uncomfortable if you put too much on so go easy but it worked for my cramps after my spinal op

guiltynetter · 27/08/2018 23:15

actually i’ve just realised that stretch sounds rubbish! it’s this one that really works.

tretch your calf muscles. Although evidence is lacking, stretching before bed might help prevent leg cramps during pregnancy. Stand at arm's length from a wall, place your hands on the wall in front of you and move your right foot behind your left foot. Slowly bend your left leg forward, keeping your right knee straight and your right heel on the floor. Hold the stretch for about 30 seconds, being careful to keep your back straight and your hips forward. Don't rotate your feet inward or outward and avoid pointing your toes. Switch legs and repeat.

Kithulu · 27/08/2018 23:16

I became obsessed with ankle rotation exercises and pointing then flexing my toes when pregnant. I swear i got cramp on the nights i forgot to do it.

JoanFrenulum · 27/08/2018 23:17

Magnesium supplements worked for me last 2 trimesters

scaredofthecity · 28/08/2018 12:54

Yes you can take them. It was recommended to me because of the cramps. If I'm doubt speak to your midwife.
I found they worked a treat

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