Pregnancy is a great deal of discomfort for women in such a state. One of the most common is usually muscle cramps in the lower body, both in the feet and in the legs.
The truth is that these cramps are quite annoying as well as painful, especially when the pregnant woman tries to rest at night. Then we explain the causes of such cramps and the best way to calm them.
Muscle cramps in pregnancy
Muscle cramps are quite frequent during the pregnancy period and they usually occur in both legs and feet. The muscles mount resulting in quite intense and annoying pain. Typically, such cramps occur in the second and third trimesters.
The problem of such cramps during pregnancy is due to the fact that the woman cannot rest properly, getting to accumulate a great fatigue throughout the day. Hence, it is very important to be able to prevent them in time and avoid such pain.
Causes of pregnancy cramps
- One of the most common causes of such cramps may be due to the significant weight gain suffered by the pregnant woman. Weight can lead to significant muscle overload in the leg area causing it to favor the appearance of cramps.
- The important hormonal changes that a woman's body undergoes during pregnancy It can be another cause of muscle cramps.
- Fatigue and accumulated tiredness are other of the most common causes for which pregnant women can suffer numerous muscle cramps. A pregnant fatigued it is going to have more possibilities of suffering cramps than another that is able to rest perfectly.
How to calm and prevent cramps during pregnancy
Muscle cramps are quite painful and can be calmed by stretching the affected muscle. Here we give you a series of tips that will help you to calm the pain of cramps and to be able to prevent them:
- If the cramps are quite frequent, the first thing to do is apply a little heat in order to improve circulation in the affected area. Afterwards it is advisable to apply some of the cold in the place of the cramp.
- Gently massaging the area where the cramp has occurred it is another good option to calm the discomfort.
- The practice of some physical exercise as in the case of walking, it is one of the ways to avoid future cramps in the feet or legs.
- Drink plenty of water and being perfectly hydrated is advisable when avoiding and preventing muscle cramps.
- Stretching the lower body is another of the best ways to prevent foot and leg cramps.
- Be careful with footwear since in the case that it is not suitable, it can favor the appearance of cramps.
- You have to be especially careful with circulation, since problems with it can lead to the aforementioned cramps in the feet and legs.
- Diet is another element that can help prevent cramps in pregnant women. The diet must be healthy and balanced and avoid products that are harmful and harmful to health.
- Experts advise at all times to avoid standing for too long since this fact favors the appearance of the mentioned cramps.
Ultimately, muscle cramps in both feet and legs are quite common in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. The best way to prevent them is by performing continuous stretching exercises and having good circulation in the body. If despite following such advice, the cramps are quite frequent and common as well as painful, do not hesitate to go to your family doctor.