Leg Cramps at Night

I've been getting leg cramps at night that are keeping me from getting a good sleep. Is there anything that I can do to alleviate this?

Jerri says:
Leg cramps have many causes, including compression of lower extremity nerves by your growing uterus, fatigue, poor peripheral circulation, and pointing your toes when you stretch your legs and walk. Sometimes leg cramps are caused by calcium and phosphorus imbalances.

When you get a leg cramp stretch your cramped leg muscle until the spasm relaxes. Sit on the floor and have someone else push downward on your thigh above the knee and pull your toes toward your head. If you are alone, stand in front of a wall and place both hands on the wall. Place the uncramped leg about a foot from the wall and bend that knee slightly. Lean into the wall. Stretch the cramped leg out as far as you can, but keep your heal down, and toe pointed toward the wall. Stretch until you feel your cramped calf muscle stretch.

Make certain that you sleep tilted or fully on your side with pillow support under your tummy and a pillow between your knees. Good body alignment while sleeping helps to reduce pressure on the muscles and nerves in the groin, back, hips and legs. It also helps you to get a better night's sleep.

Eat low-fat dairy products for calcium. Eat potassium-rich foods such as bananas, citrus fruits, dried fruits, tomatoe juice, deep yellow vegetables, pecans, walnuts, and sunflower seeds. Be sure to drink plenty of water to maintain hydration and help flush waste products from the muscles.

If leg spasms occur frequently, report them to your practitioner. He or she may recommend on oral supplement aimed at correcting calcium/phosphorus imbalance. However, please do not take any supplements unless your practitioner recommends them.

Best Wishes to you!

Jerri Colonero RN

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Jerri Colonero is an obstetrical nurse and author of "With You & Your Baby All of the Way -- the Complete Guide to Pregnancy, Childbirth, Recovery, and Baby Care." Visit Jerri's website!