Question:
I have been awakened the past few nights by cramping in my calves. I have also noticed that I can't fall asleep sometimes becuase my legs are twitching. What can I do to make this better or completely go away?
Answer:
Some women experience leg cramps and twitchiness in their second or third trimester. These cramps are caused by increased pressure of the uterus on nerves, decreasing circulation inthe legs, and/or a calcium-phosphorus imbalance. An imbalance of calcium and phosphorus is the most common cause.
To prevent leg cramps, be sure you are eating a well-balanced diet, being sure that your daily diet has enough calcium. Avoid more than 1 quart of milk daily and calcium supplements that are not balanced with minerals. Dehydration can also be a culprit so be sure you are consuming 8-10 glasses of water daily.
For immediate relief of a sudden cramp (like the ones that are waking you up in the middle of the night!)stretch your leg out straight and point the heel by pulling your toes back toward the your shin.
Some other things that may help include:
-massage or knead the muscles.
-eat potassium rich foods like bananas, potatoes, kiwi fruit, almonds,orange juice and lemonade. -some women have found that drinking 12-24 ounces of Gatorade or Sportsall sport drinks can help. I worry about the extra sugar though...
Maurenne Griese is a registered nurse, childbirth and breastfeeding educator, doula and mother of four children. You can visit her website at http://konzababy.tripod.com
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