Pregnancy leg cramps & restless legs

Are you suffering with pregnancy leg cramps or restless legs? Follow our expert advice to get rid of those leg cramps for good and sleep better.

Meet the expert: Tina Perridge is a founder of the independent service Neighbourhood Midwives (neighbourhoodmidwives.org)

There’s nothing subtle about an attack of pregnancy cramp. ‘The spasms tend to strike at night and usually affect the lower limbs, so when you’re pregnant, it’s not always easy to leap out of bed and get into a position that gives relief,’ says Tina.

Pregnancy leg cramps most often begin in the second trimester, at around 18-20 weeks, and continue to occur until birth. The uncomfortable sensation as the muscle contracts is more usually associated with a build-up of lactic acid during exercise, but no one knows why they’re so common in pregnancy.

What causes pregnancy leg cramps?

‘There are all sorts of theories about causes of pregnancy leg cramps, but no hard evidence,’ explains Tina. ‘One theory is that your uterus becomes heavier as your baby grows, which means that your legs are working harder to carry you. Another possible cause is that the uterus lying on the major vein that returns blood to the heart slows that process, leading to heavy, sluggish limbs that are more prone to cramp.

‘The problem seems to be linked to a degree of dehydration and a change in mineral levels,’ Tina adds. ‘Your body will prioritise the development of your baby during these second and third trimesters. This can lead to a lack of calcium, magnesium or potassium, which could be a trigger factor for cramp.’

How to ease pregnancy leg cramps

Drinking plenty of water is an easy fix for pregnancy leg cramps, and there are simple steps you can take to top up those essential minerals too.

‘Guarding against deficiencies through a varied diet is the best way,’ advises Tina. ‘Bananas are particularly rich in magnesium and potassium, and many pregnant women find that their cramps disappear if they eat plenty of them. Leafy green veg are another good source of magnesium, while potassium is also found in potatoes, sweet potatoes and milk. Increase your calcium levels with plenty of cheese, leafy vegetables, nuts and fish.’

A lack of exercise may also contribute to cramp. ‘Walking can help guard against it, as the gentle stretching of your calf muscles prevents the build-up of lactic acid and helps the blood be pumped out of your legs and back to your heart,’ says Tina.

‘Pregnancy yoga can also help, as stretching improves blood flow around the body. And try some simple stretches before bed too, such as moving your ankles up and down and from side to side.’

If you’re gripped with pregnancy leg cramps, there’s only one thing to do. ‘Stand on a flat surface, ideally a cold floor,’ explains Tina. ‘With your muscles cramping, your foot won’t want to flatten and you might have to push it down with your hand, but the pain will start to recede as soon as your sole touches the floor. If your bump is too big for you to manage this, delegate the job to your partner or, if you can’t get out of bed, get them to push against your foot instead.’

Five ways to beat pregnancy leg cramps

See your doctor about pregnancy leg cramps if…

Cramps cause deep, lingering pain with accompanying redness, swelling or heat, or if the area feels warm to the touch.