WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

Leg cramps, a pregnancy symptom

Leg cramps
Leg cramps during pregnancy can be a bothersome and painful experience for expecting mothers. You may feel an involuntary tightening of your leg muscles, causing intense pain and discomfort. 

As your body changes and your uterus expands, it puts pressure on your blood vessels and nerves, interrupting the proper circulation to your legs, causing cramping. 

Even if it is pretty common, it can be worrying if you are experiencing it for the first time. 
Juliette Seblon
Midwife for 8+ years
Is it normal?
Leg cramps are a common pregnancy symptom, and it usually affects women during the third trimester. 

 Although leg cramps are unpleasant and can be painful, they are generally normal, and it does not threaten the health of your baby.
Prevent and care
Proper management of leg cramps, such as stretching and massage, can help alleviate discomfort.
  • Expect sudden, painful muscle contractions, often in the calves. 
  • Gentle stretching and massaging the affected muscle can provide relief. 
  • If leg cramps persist or become severe, consult with a healthcare provider.
If you regularly have leg cramps that aren’t related to a more serious condition, you might try adding more magnesium to your diet. Nuts and seeds are excellent sources of magnesium.
Juliette, Midwife for 8+ years
When to consult?
If you experience intense and unbearable pain, or if your leg cramps persist even while you are resting, it's essential to speak with your healthcare provider immediately. 

They can check if there is any underlying condition or if there is something more severe going on. Remember, it’s better to seek medical advice earlier than later.
Top Asked Questions
What causes leg cramps during pregnancy?

The exact cause is not fully understood, but factors like changes in circulation and pressure on nerves may contribute.

When are leg cramps most likely to occur during pregnancy?

Leg cramps can happen at any time during pregnancy but are often more noticeable in the second and third trimesters.

Are there any preventive measures for reducing the frequency of leg cramps?

Staying hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet can help minimize the occurrence of leg cramps.

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All I Need to Know
B
Bryana
15 Jul 2023

So anyone else have really bad leg cramps almost period cramps 3rd trimester my stomach feels fine it’s just my leg is killing me rn I’m 34 weeks is this normal?

6 comments
E
Erin Presnall
Yes every time I'm pregant😥
27 Mar 2024

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R
Raquel
yes bad leg cramps
27 Mar 2024

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M
Marlena
6 Jul 2023

Whew chile!!! These leg cramps are taking me out!!!! For the past week or so I’ve been waking up super early with the worst leg cramps. The ones where u can feel it jump 😫😫😫. Legs are HURTING. SORE!!

9 comments
N
Neicee
Not sure if you like pickles or not but pickle juice is great for that
27 Mar 2024

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M
Marlena
Love pickles! Thanks for the tip 🙏🏾🥰
27 Mar 2024

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B
Bryana
23 Apr 2023

Leg cramps in my left leg hurt so bad all day this happens all the time then stops but should I be worried

2 comments
A
Ally
Super normal. It could be that you're low on potassium. Try eating some more bananas or even Tums. I take two or three times a day which helps with calcium
27 Mar 2024

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A
Ally
potassium*
27 Mar 2024

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T
Thearee
21 Apr 2023

Does anyone else postpartum have leg cramps , I already called the nurse to make sure I don’t have a clot in my leg and I don’t have any symptoms but a sort dull calf cramp that comes in waves

2 comments
D
Desery’e 💙🩵🦋♎️
Same !!! And I do experience blood clots from time to time
27 Mar 2024

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T
Thearee
Oof 😅 I’m stressing thankfully they had me come in to do tests
27 Mar 2024

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D
Desirae
24 Mar 2023

Any mommas getting leg cramps at night? It’s just in my right leg but ugh does it hurt to walk on it the next day.

3 comments
B
Bren 🤰🏻🩵BOY MOM🩵🤰🏻
Yesssss omg and it hurts
27 Mar 2024

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D
Desirae
Yes they are the worst.! 🥴
27 Mar 2024

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B
Brittany
29 Nov 2022

32 weeks and I’m having leg cramps along with swelling and I’m also having diarrhea and still loosing my mucus plug 🤦‍♀️ anybody know what can cause the leg cramps and swelling my mom checked my blood pressure earlier and it was a little bit high

7 comments
Z
Zee
More fluids
27 Mar 2024

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Z
Zee
Drink as much water as you can and elevated your legs on a pillow
27 Mar 2024

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K
Keiasia
31 Oct 2022

Just woke up to the worst leg cramps!! Anyone else having leg cramps. What do you do to make it stop?

4 comments
P
Porscccc
Eat bananas 🍌
27 Mar 2024

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B
Blocked user
Eat pickles or drink pickle juice and down water as much and as fast as possible lol instant relief
27 Mar 2024

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I
Infinity
25 Jul 2022

Well I guess leg cramps wanted to make a reappearance the day I hit 9 Months 😫

1 comments

A
Anshi
22 Jul 2022

I started having leg cramps too along with implantation bleeding. Losing hope about positive pregnancy due to this symptom. 😔 😟 😔 😢

2 comments
A
Anshi
I got my period yesterday. Not my month again. 😔 😔
27 Mar 2024

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T
Taylor
10 Jun 2022

Just started having nighttime leg cramps! Anyone else? And anything you found that helps lol

2 comments
S
Shae
My boyfriend puts me in a position and it stretches and pop my hip
27 Mar 2024

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