Ask Our Expert - Leg Cramps in Pregnancy

May 16, 2008

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Specializing in pregnancy and birth.


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Ask Dr. Greenfield Leg Cramps in Pregnancy

QUESTION


Dear Dr. Greenfield, I'm into my third trimester of my pregnancy with my fourth child and I am having problems with my calves. The muscle seems so tight that when I sleep or even walk they feel like they are going to pull and when they do its painful. What should I do to ease the pain? I know that if you stretch your foot either inwards or outwards it should help with the tension but I'm not sure. — Sore Calves Momma in West Jordan, Utah

ANSWER	June 21, 2001


Dear Sore Calves Momma, I think you are describing leg cramps, which are common in pregnancy and can be excruciating. Some women find that stretching before they go to bed at night and first thing in the morning helps a bit. You want to stretch the calf muscle by leaning over and touching your toes or by doing anything that brings your toes up towards your knee. Some women also find that putting a pillow at the end of the bed helps stop them from unconsciously pointing their toes while sleeping. Unfortunately there are no medications or magic tricks to guarantee that you won't continue to suffer from these cramps. Good luck--and remember this too shall pass! — by Marjorie Greenfield, M.D.

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