Leg cramps

Leg cramps are one of those pesky pregnancy symptoms you wish didn’t exist, but which you will probably experience several times during your pregnancy. If you already suffer from leg crampsyou know that they are shooting pains in the calves of your legs caused by muscle spasms.

Your lower legs or calves usually cramp during pregnancy

Leg cramps usually first appear during your second trimester of pregnancy and as you approach your third trimester of pregnancy they unfortunately get more frequent and sometimes more intense. In general, leg cramps can happen at any time, but they are most known for striking at night when you are trying to sleep.

The cause of leg cramps during pregnancy is not known, however there are several theories including:

• Added pressure on your legs from carrying around extra weight.
• Extra pressure on your circulatory system, which interrupts blood flow.
• A pregnancy diet that does not consist of adequate amounts of important nutrients.

Don’t worry though, because there are several things you can do to avoid leg cramps and to alleviate the pain caused by leg cramps during pregnancy.