preventing leg cramps?

[tenar]

I've been getting leg cramps lately. They're painful and annoying.

What can I eat or are there any supplements I can safely take in pregnancy to avoid these?

I'm already getting lots of calcium (mostly milk) and eating a balanced diet with lots of fruit and veg. I don't know what I'm missing, but I'm guessing I'm missing something in my diet and would like to make up the lack to make those cramps go away.

Any suggestions?

[Megan]

Tenar, I was told by my naturopath and midwife that it's calcium so even if you are having lots you may need a bit of help with some supplements. They also mentioned magnesium would be beneficial.

[~Kim~]

Magnesium and zinc.

They are just the pits aren't they?

[tenar]

Thanks, guess I'll up the milk, then.

I'm taking Blackmoores pregnancy multivitamins, but clearly this isn't enough. Will have to look into other supplements or dietary changes I might need.

I'm more concerned that this means I may be letting my baby lack in something she needs to develop than about my own comfort, but yes, the cramps totally suck.

[butterfly_warrior]

Your body will give your baby what it needs as a priority before meeting your needs, so I wouldn't worry too much about that. I was on calcium and magnesium tablets pretty constantly through my pregnancy - they worked wonders in reducing the cramps.

BW

[~Flossie~]

so painful and annoying, and alwasy in the middle of the night for me !

i used to go to the kitchen and have a little salt, totally not a educated assesment, it worked for me ( probably all in my head!)

Hope that your cramps ease, they are very painful..

[mustangsachy]

oh you poor thing! i had those BAD a few weeks ago - to the point i was walking like a cowboy (more than your avg preg waddle).

my doctor suggested taking caltrate (up to 3 a day) or upping the calcium (i'm lactose intolerant so not ideal) - plus you don't get the calories.

also at our ante-natal classes the physio said we get them due to shortening of muscles - when we stretch, we point our toes (im guessing that's when you experience them?) ... so in stead of pointing your toes practice stretching and making your feet go the other way towards you - hope that makes sense. that helps too.

hope they gt better!

[Michelle71]

Yep - magnesium

[BekZ]

take extra magnesium and calcium tabs. They really help

[Nai]

I had them badly too but haven't had any since taking magnesium and calcium supplements (you can get the 2 combined). I had the same thing last pregnancy and took the same supplements so it is definitely that for me.

[tenar]

I totally find that stretching but keeping my foot at a right angle to my leg, so my calf muscle is as extended as it can be, helps to ease a cramp. Moving my legs any other way will make it worse.

What calcium+magnesium supplements do you take? I had a look in the supermarket, but didn't see that combination. Can anyone please suggest a brand to try?

[mustangsachy]

Caltrate - they have 3 diff types. 1st one has just calcium i think, second best has calcium plus magnesium and the 3rd which is best has calcium, magnesium, iron and i think some other ones. can gt over the counter at the pharmacist.

[Nai]

Nature's Own have the combo - I got it from the chemist.

[Captain]

I found I was able to reduce my cramps by changing my shoes. I had one particular pair that whenever I wore them, that night I would be in pain. So I through them out and wore only completely flat soled shoes.