Is there a remedy for muscle cramps during pregnancy?
By devijay78
@devijay78 (1573)
India
March 19, 2011 8:01am CST
I am four months pregnant and I get these muscle cramps in my legs nowadays. It is painful and till it subsides, it is hell for me. And I had these even when I had my first daughter. I used to wake up at nights screaming in pain and somebody nearby would try to apply a pain relief gel like volini or some other balm. But now, since I have none to do that and the pain comes even in the day time, I need some help. Anybody knows any proven method to bring down these cramps? It is with my calf muscles and sometimes affects both the legs. And I have put on a little weight after getting pregnant.
5 responses
@whengcat (1457)
• Philippines
20 Mar 11
Try to sip some ginger brew before going to bed. It somehow worked for me before. Although it did not totally eliminate the cramps, the occurrence lessen.
@devijay78 (1573)
• India
22 Mar 11
Hi. I have not heard of this remedy before. Could you elaborate on that? And how to prepare the brew? But won't having too much ginger upset the stomach?
@devijay78 (1573)
• India
23 Mar 11
Thanks for the response whengcat. I will try it. But I do add ginger in my tea everyday. And in my everyday cooking too. But have not tried it this way. We do use ginger in our day to day cooking. Will try it. 
@whengcat (1457)
• Philippines
23 Mar 11
It was my old folks advice. Crush some ginger and boil it then put some honey on it before you drink it. Just a cup of it won't hurt. Actually ginger brew cures upset stomach...ginger has many healing wonders to offer you can search for it in the net if you like to.
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
24 Mar 11
Hi devijay: -
I've been experiencing some really, really bad cramps myself lately and I don't like to take pills so i did some searching and I found this site. The information makes sense and I think we can both get some benefit from the information provided. Cheers and best wishes.
http://www.home-remedies-for-you.com/remedy/Leg-Cramps.html
@devijay78 (1573)
• India
31 Mar 11
Hi Ms Tickle. That was some informative link. Thanks for that. I am taking bananas almost daily nowadays. And since I have stopped feeling nauseous, I am able to take milk. And I have started taking lots of water. Sorry for the late response.
1 person likes this
@jazel_juan (15745)
• Philippines
19 Mar 11
i used to have these muscle cramps when i was pregnant because i was gaining so much weight..my doc said it happens. She recommended exercise, i would then start exercising my feet, like turn them again and again.. like twisting them..and i would also walk barefoot in the sand since it relaxes my feet and helps circulate my blood... and i also sleep with a pillow below my feet...hope it will help you.
and i also sleep with a pillow below my feet...hope it will help you.@devijay78 (1573)
• India
20 Mar 11
Hi jazel. I do sleep with a pillow under my knees because of my back pain. But do not use anything below my feet. I guess I could start exercising and walking too. But I heard from my phsiotherapist that walking barefoot would later affect the back so it is always better to wear comfortable walking shoes and go for walks. Thanks for the suggestion.
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
29 May 11
Bananas and water are great for cramps period..not just during pregnancy. It's just that one might notice the problem more when they are pregannt because the baby takes certain things from mom that can cause muscle cramps. The extra weight later doesn't help alot either..lol
I had cramps across my stomach when I was pregnant and it scared me. When I asked the doctor...he said drink as much water as I could stand. It would help my muscles stretch.
I used to get leg cramps sometimes and when my daughetr was taking gymnastics, she did too. Yhe doctor suggested bananas or potassium pills. I got the bananas and keep them in the house now. It has been several years since we have had any leg cramps.
@devijay78 (1573)
• India
4 Jun 11
Hi JenInTN. I have started exercising and I am almost free of the cramps. I do take a lot of water now. So it has been a long time since I got them. Unfortunately, I would not be able to take bananas even though they are readily available and are my favourite. My daughter was almost 4 kgs when she was born and the doctor has asked me to stay away from food which makes me put on weight because my delivery would be difficult if this baby is heavy too. But exercise and taking lots of water has helped.
@mrscallands22 (2851)
• United States
20 Mar 11
When I was pregnant, I'd get uncomfortable cramps as well. All of the doctor remedies didn't really work for me and since I'm not an avid user of medicine... I found other ways. Since you are alone and I know it's hard to so much as bend over sometimes, I found taking a hot (but not scalding) bath to be quite relaxing. Water relaxes all muscles (unless you're eating.. it can cramp the stomach muscles).... but try a relaxing bath once a day when you're feeling your worst and I guarantee that you will feel better once you get out. You may even get a nap in!!! I hope that helps.
@mrscallands22 (2851)
• United States
20 Mar 11
Also... it could be the ways you are sitting or laying... Try elevation when you are sitting.. keeping your legs, elevated, comfortable.. and not cutting off any circulation. That can reduce your pain significantly as well.
@devijay78 (1573)
• India
22 Mar 11
I am trying to keep my legs in an elevated position when I am sitting. And all I can afford is little less than ten minutes in the shower. Nothing more than that.
